HARRY BELAFONTE
In this publication, we celebrate the life of an extraordinary man - Harry Belafonte, the singer, the actor the promoter and Civil Rights activist.
Belafonte was born in New York on March 21, 1927, to Caribbean parents, his mother Scottish Jamaican with Afro- Jamaican father and his father Afro-Jamaican mother and Dutch-Jewish father.
The young Belafonte left the US in 1935 to join his mother in Jamaica. He spent 5 years there. On his return he served in the US Navy. Harry later studied drama and performed at night clubs.
He stormed the pop musical charts in the 1950s with his highly personalized brand of folk music. During this period racial segregation was still widespread. His ascent to the upper echelon of show business was historic. He became the first Black performer to win an Emmy.
Belafonte was involved in many social causes, most notably the Civil Rights movement, contributing financially and making his presence felt. It was his idea the USA for Africa (We are The World) was produced.
South African performer Miriam Makeba was a protege of this performer. They teamed up to produce many great songs. Makeba, also on her own became a successful solo performer. Then there was Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, who also joined Belafonte to produce some great performances. A link up with American singer Eloise Laws produced a beautiful duet, "So Close."
Belafonte died on April 23, age 96.
What a man.
Day-oh, day- o
Daylight come and we want go home.
Belafonte was born in New York on March 21, 1927, to Caribbean parents, his mother Scottish Jamaican with Afro- Jamaican father and his father Afro-Jamaican mother and Dutch-Jewish father.
The young Belafonte left the US in 1935 to join his mother in Jamaica. He spent 5 years there. On his return he served in the US Navy. Harry later studied drama and performed at night clubs.
He stormed the pop musical charts in the 1950s with his highly personalized brand of folk music. During this period racial segregation was still widespread. His ascent to the upper echelon of show business was historic. He became the first Black performer to win an Emmy.
Belafonte was involved in many social causes, most notably the Civil Rights movement, contributing financially and making his presence felt. It was his idea the USA for Africa (We are The World) was produced.
South African performer Miriam Makeba was a protege of this performer. They teamed up to produce many great songs. Makeba, also on her own became a successful solo performer. Then there was Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, who also joined Belafonte to produce some great performances. A link up with American singer Eloise Laws produced a beautiful duet, "So Close."
Belafonte died on April 23, age 96.
What a man.
Day-oh, day- o
Daylight come and we want go home.