Harry Belafonte Dies at Age 96

Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem. He was later despatched by his mom to her island of start, Jamaica. When World War II broke out, he returned to New York and later enlisted within the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged and once more returned to New York, the place he labored a number of jobs earlier than discovering himself drawn to the Dramatic Workshop of the New School of Social Research below the tutelage of famend German director Erwin Piscator, the place he was classmates with the likes of Marlon Brando, Tony Curtis and Walter Matthau.

Belafonte’s Music

Music was the place Belafonte made simply one in all his marks on tradition and the world basically. His 1954 debut album “Mark Twain and Other Folk Favorites” reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. His subsequent two LPs, each launched in 1956, would prime the chart:

His signature tune was “Banana Boat (Day-O),” primarily based on a Jamaican people tune. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1957 and No. 2 within the UK. “Mary’s Boy Child,” from Calypso, topped the UK singles chart and reached No. 12 within the U.S.

In all, Belafonte scored a half-dozen gold albums within the U.S., all of which additionally made the Top 10. His 1962 disc “The Midnight Special” featured one Bob Dylan on harmonica, marking the long run legend’s first formally launched recording. He received two profession Grammy Awards and 9 different nominations, together with on the first three Grammys in 1958, 1959 and 1960.

His Acting Career

On the performing entrance, he was one of many first Black main males in Hollywood, making a reputation for himself through the Fifties and ’60s. His film resume contains ‘Carmen Jones’, ‘Odds Against Tomorrow’ ‘The Player’, and extra, whereas his music adorns many a soundtrack from ‘Beetlejuice’ to ‘Paddington 2’.

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His Life as an Activist

An activist and social campaigner by nature, he was an early supporter of the Civil Rights motion and have become a significant determine within the American social and political historical past of the twentieth century and a detailed pal and confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Belafonte’s global popularity and his commitment to our cause is a key ingredient to the global struggle for freedom and a powerful tactical weapon in the Civil Rights movement here in America,” King as soon as stated of Belafonte. “We are blessed by his courage and moral integrity.”

Belafonte was a number one determine in ending apartheid, in addition to releasing Nelson Mandela. When Mandela was ultimately freed, Belafonte was chosen by the African National Congress to prepare Mandela’s tour of America, and later was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to be the cultural advisor for the Peace Corps. In 1987, Belafonte grew to become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, making him simply the second American to take action.

He is survived by his spouse, daughters Shari, Adrienne and Gina and son David, and quite a few grandchildren.

Harry Belafonte Movies:

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