The Legendary Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

Harry Belafonte is a legendary figure in American popular culture, known for his incredible achievements as an actor, singer, humanitarian and activist.

Born in Harlem in 1927, Belafonte’s early life was marred by poverty and struggle. His parents were immigrants from the Caribbean, and his mother was often absent from his life due to her work as a domestic servant. Despite these challenges, Belafonte excelled in school and showed a natural talent for performing. He began his career in the theater, and eventually made his way to Hollywood, where he became one of the first black actors to achieve mainstream success.

Belafonte’s music career was also groundbreaking. His hit songs like “Banana Boat Song” (aka “Day-O”) and “Jamaica Farewell” introduced audiences to Caribbean music and culture, and helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.

The King of Calypso

Calypso, the third studio album by recording artist Belafonte, was released by RCA Victor in 1956. The album became his second consecutive number-one album on the Billboard Albums chart, where it peaked for 31 weeks. Calypso was the first Long Play (LP) record album to sell over one million copies.

Calypso was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or artistically significant.”

This is the album that made Harry Belafonte’s career. Up to this point, calypso had only been a part of Belafonte’s focus in his recordings of folk music styles. But with this landmark album, calypso not only became tattooed to Belafonte permanently; it had a revolutionary effect on folk music in the 1950s and ’60s. The album consists of songs from Trinidad, mostly written by West Indian songwriter Irving Burgie (aka Lord Burgess). Burgie’s two most successful songs are included — “Day O” and “Jamaica Farewell” (which were both hit singles for Belafonte) — as are the evocative ballads “I Do Adore Her” and “Come Back Liza” and what could be the first feminist folk song, “Man Smart (Woman Smarter).” Calypso became the first million-selling album by a single artist, spending an incredible 31 weeks at the top of the Billboard album charts, remaining on the charts for 99 weeks. It triggered a veritable tidal wave of imitators, parodists, and artists wishing to capitalize on its success. Years later, it remains a record of inestimable influence, inspiring many folksingers and groups to perform, most notably the Kingston Trio, which was named for the Jamaican capital. 

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Belafonte was a close friend and supporter of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., and helped to organize the historic March on Washington in 1963. He also used his celebrity status to raise awareness about issues like apartheid in South Africa and poverty in the United States. In 1985, he organized the “We Are the World” recording session, which brought together some of the biggest names in music to raise money for famine relief in Africa.

Belafonte’s activism wasn’t without some consequence to the United States. He was an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Central and South America, and was an advocate for peace and justice around the world. In 1987, he founded the International Children’s Fund, which provides aid to children in impoverished countries.

Belafonte’s legacy is a testament to the power of art combined with activism to effect positive change in the world. He was honored with numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a Kennedy Center Honor and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP. In 2014, he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards. Belafonte also won three Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award).

Belafonte’s impact on American culture and society cannot be overstated. He was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of artists of color. He was also a tireless advocate for social justice, using his platform to raise awareness about issues like racism, poverty, and inequality. His music and activism continue to inspire people around the world to fight for a better future.

Harry Belafonte died on April 25, 2023 at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was 96 years old.