NEW YORK, USA – Harry Belafonte, the mesmerizing singer who introduced calypso to the American masses in the 1950s and dedicated his life to civil rights activism, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the age of 96.
His longtime spokesperson, Ken Sunshine, confirmed that Belafonte died of congestive heart failure in New York City.
With a career spanning over six decades, Belafonte left an indelible mark as a captivating singer and actor, cemented with the release of his groundbreaking album “Calypso” in 1956. Despite facing health challenges, Belafonte delivered a powerful performance in Spike Lee’s 2018 film “BlacKkKlansman,” portraying an older civil rights leader who recounts the horrific lynching of Jesse Washington in 1916.
Born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. in Harlem, New York, in 1927, Belafonte was the son of a Martinique-born chef and a Jamaica-born housekeeper. He spent part of his childhood in Jamaica before returning to the U.S. for high school and serving in the Navy during World War II. Belafonte later attended the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research alongside the likes of Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier, who became a lifelong friend.
Belafonte’s smooth, elegant renditions of pop, jazz, and folk classics caught the attention of RCA Victor, leading to a record contract in 1952. He soon focused on vernacular and folk music, many of which expressed the Black and Caribbean experience. His 1956 album “Calypso” became the first LP record to sell over a million copies, with the unforgettable hit “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” topping the charts.
His influence on the American music scene earned him the nickname “King of Calypso” and paved the way for numerous folk acts. Belafonte’s impact on the world of music is evident in the works of artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Alison Hinds, and Mighty Sparrow.
Belafonte’s accomplishments extended beyond music. He became the first Black artist to win an Emmy in 1960 and was a prolific actor in film and on Broadway. Belafonte also used his platform to push for change, with civil rights activism becoming an integral part of his life.
Beginning in the early 1950s, Belafonte’s social consciousness emerged under the guidance of Paul Robeson. Belafonte became an influential force in the civil rights movement and a confidant to Martin Luther King Jr. He was instrumental in securing funds for the movement and even bailed King out of jail in 1963.
Belafonte’s activism continued to evolve, encompassing human rights around the world, particularly in Africa. He collaborated with South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba on the 1965 album “An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba,” which won him his second Grammy. In 1985, Belafonte led the effort to bring Band Aid to the U.S., resulting in the monumental USA for Africa fundraising concerts and the iconic single “We Are the World.”
Throughout his life, Belafonte never shied away from using his voice to speak out against injustices. He championed various causes and earned numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Belafonte is survived by his wife, Pamela Frank, and his children, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, and David Belafonte.
In a 1989 interview for the PBS civil rights series “Eyes on the Prize II,” Harry Belafonte reflected on his life’s purpose, stating, “I would say that you are really responsible for the world in which you live. If others happen to come along and join you in the spirit of your endeavor and your objectives to make the world a better place, then you’re the richer for it.”
Harry Belafonte’s incredible legacy as a trailblazing musician, actor, and civil rights activist will continue to inspire future generations. His unwavering commitment to creating a better world serves as a testament to his remarkable character and enduring impact.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and his countless contributions to the arts, civil rights, and humanity.
