The well-known singer, actor, and human rights advocate Harry Belafonte passed away on Tuesday at the age of 96. Congestive cardiac failure was the reason behind his passing. He was a trailblazer, shattering barriers of race and expertly juggling his activism with his talent, inspiring people all across the world. The celebrity Belafonte, who won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony honours, passed away at his New York City residence.
The Early Life of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem to Jamaican and Martinique-born parents who were both from the Caribbean. His mother, a cleaning lady, transported him back to Jamaica, where he was raised in the culture of the island. The exposure to the culture that Belafonte received influenced his recordings.
Belafonte’s Artistic Achievements
Calypso music became popular because to Belafonte’s 1950s recordings for RCA Victor, which featured his renowned rendition of the Jamaican folk song “Day-O” (also known as “The Banana Boat Song”). In an era when the nation was still segregated, audiences of all races adored Belafonte for his good looks and shirt unbuttoned to the chest. The bestselling Calypso album, which included the breakthrough single “The Banana Boat Song,” spent several weeks in 1956 at the top of Billboard’s newly established album charts.
After leaving high school and serving in World War II, Belafonte began acting classes at the American Negro Theatre with Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. He began performing in bars, and soon he got a recording deal. He was honoured with a Tony Award in 1954 for his performance in the revue “John Murray Anderson’s Almanack: A Musical Harlequinade.” Additionally, he performed in films and TV variety shows.
Belafonte’s Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s close friend Harry Belafonte assisted in planning the 1963 Freedom March on Washington, when King gave his “I Have a Dream” address. The speech’s co-author, Clarence Jones, gave Belafonte credit for teaching them how to harness the power of television. Jones claims that Belafonte put together the “celebrity delegation” of Hollywood stars and entertainers, positioning them so that the television cameras would pan to them and the march.
Numerous accolades were bestowed upon Belafonte as a result of his charitable activities and friendship with the King family. Additionally, after Nelson Mandela was released from jail, he assisted in planning his first trip to the United States.
Belafonte’s Legacy
Belafonte will always be regarded as a humanitarian and a representative of the entertainment world. Future generations will continue to be motivated by his pioneering work as a human rights crusader. Through his music, advocacy, and humanitarian efforts, he left a lasting impact.