Renowned singer and civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte, passed away on Tuesday due to congestive heart failure at the age of 96, at his Manhattan home. Belafonte was not only known for his musical talent, but also for his unwavering dedication to advocating for the civil rights of the African-American community.
Belafonte was a trailblazer in multiple realms, starting with his role in popularising calypso music in the US, which sparked a craze in the 1950s. He achieved great success as one of the first Black leading men in Hollywood, winning awards for his performances on Broadway, and making a mark in the entertainment industry as a versatile recording and concert star.
Despite his fame, Belafonte’s commitment to social causes remained at the forefront of his work. He used his platform to advocate for the civil rights of African-Americans, becoming a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He was known for his tireless efforts in raising awareness, organising protests, and using his influence to effect positive change.
Belafonte’s legacy goes beyond his achievements in the entertainment industry. His impact as a civil rights activist and his unwavering dedication to fighting for social justice will continue to inspire generations to come. He will be remembered as a pioneering figure who used his talent and influence to make a difference in the world. At the time of his passing, his wife Pamela was by his side, honouring his lifelong commitment to his beliefs and causes.
Harry Belafonte, a Jamaican-American singer and activist, rose to fame for popularising in calypso music and earning the title of the “King of Calypso.” Born in 1927 in Harlem, New York to Caribbean immigrant parents, Belafonte grew up in poverty. He left school and joined the Navy during World War II, where he worked as a munitions loader at a base in New Jersey.
Following the end of World War II, Belafonte pursued his passion for acting and enrolled in Erwin Piscator’s prestigious Dramatic Workshop to study drama. He admired actors like Marlon Brando, Walter Matthau, and Tony Curtis. To support his studies, Belafonte started performing at clubs in New York, often backed by acclaimed musicians such as Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.
His talent as a singer and performer caught the attention of record labels, leading to a recording contract. In his search for material, Belafonte delved into the folk song archives at the US Library of Congress, where he discovered the Calypso music that his parents had grown up with. This inspired him to embrace Calypso as his signature style and led to his breakthrough album, “Calypso,” which became the first million-selling album by a single artist.