Harry Belafonte, the “Day-O” hit singer has died at the age of 96. The singer and actor was one of the first men of color to become a leading man.
Harry Belafonte Dies in Manhattan
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The actor died of congestive heart failure. He was an award-winning Broadway performer, recording artist, and star of the 1950s. After becoming one of the first black leading men, he continued his career in entertainment behind the camera with theatrical film production work.
Belafonte was also heavily involved in activism in the 60s working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helping underdeveloped countries with his charity work. He made his debut in 1954 on RCA Records performing folk songs.
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It wasn’t until 1956 when his calypso-inspired record, “Belafonte” spawned the hit “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” that his musical career began. The record spent a staggering 31 weeks at number 1 and the single stayed on the chart for five weeks.
Another exciting news is that the album remains one of the top four longest-running charts in history. The song was later used in the 1988 film Beetlejuice directed by Tim Burton.
Harry Belafonte Plays At Carnegie Hall
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The singer has had quite an amazing career including performing at Carnegie Hall. The born-and-raised New York native has compiled more than five albums there and two live sets. The 1960 collection “Swing Dat Hammer” earned a Grammy for best ethnic or traditional album.
His 1965 album “An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba,” featuring folk singer Miriam Makeba won the same award. He also worked with greats like Bob Dylan who played harmonica on one of his albums.
He was also involved in the We Are The World recording sessions. He helped arrange music artists, including Michael Jackson, Bono, Sting, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, and many others.
Belafonte continued to use his career as a beacon for African American rights in his film roles and music.
Harry Belafonte Works To Bring Black Music Forward
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The entertainer has spent much of his career dabbling here and there in race relations especially when it comes to music compilations. In 2002 he created a compilation for RCA of African and African-American music collections. It’s called “Long Walk to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music.” It earned Belafonte three Grammy nominations.
Later in the artist’s career he slowed down a little and published his memoirs. It came out in 2011, titled, “My Song,” it was written with Michael Shnayerson. A documentary was also made about Belafonte in 2012. “Sing Your Song” focuses on his career and work as an activist.
It also delves into his early life growing up with a Jamaican mother and a father who is of Martinique descent and a chef. The singer’s third wife, Pamela, was left behind. He also has 4 biological children and two stepchildren.
He is also the proud grandfather of eight! Thoughts and prayers go out to the artist’s grieving family and friends.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
