Harry Belafonte, born in 1927, is a towering figure in the realms of music, acting, and civil rights. Known as the “King of Calypso,” Belafonte rose to international stardom with his hit “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and continues to be a respected voice for social justice and human rights. His multifaceted career has not only contributed significantly to the arts but has also left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement. This article explores the various facets of Belafonte’s life, from his early struggles to his enduring legacy.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Harry Belafonte |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | United States, Jamaica |
| Place of Birth | Seraing, Harlem, New York City |
| Date of Birth | 01 March 1927 |
| Age at Death | 96 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Birth Name | Harold George Bellanfanti |
| Native Name | Harry Belafonte |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
| Date of Death | 25 April 2023 |
| Place of Death | New York City, Upper West Side |
| Nickname | King of Calypso |
| Residence | Upper West Side |
| Ethnicity | African Americans |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 182 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.82 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 5′ 11″ |
FAMILY
| Children | Shari Belafonte, David Belafonte, Gina Belafonte |
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EDUCATION
| Educated At | Wolmer’s Schools, George Washington Educational Campus, The New School |
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CAREER
| Genre | calypso, pop music, folk music, world music |
|---|---|
| Member Of | Mayoral Advisory Commission on City Art, Monuments, and Markers, The Sanders Institute |
| Record Label | Jubilee Records, RCA Victor |
| Work Period Start | 1949 |
| Instruments | voice |
| Employer | UNICEF |
| Work Period End | 2023 |
| Awards Received | Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Emmy Award, Paul Robeson Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Q6533207, National Medal of Arts, Marian Anderson Award, Library of Congress Living Legend, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award, Spingarn Medal, Ambassador of Conscience Award, Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Four Freedoms Award – Freedom Medal, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, NAACP Image Award – Chairman’s Award, Order of Jamaica, Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, honorary degree from Spelman College, Theatre World Award |
| Notable Works | Calypso, Banana Boat (Day-O) |
| Field of Work | film industry, music industry, peace movement, civil rights movement, pop music, traditional folk music, singing, dance, film acting, activism, popular music |
| Voice Type | baritone |
| Profession | singer, actor, entertainer, civil rights advocate, peace activist, recording artist, songwriter, television actor, film producer, executive producer, dancer, political activist, stage actor, film actor |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000896 |
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| harrybelafonte | |
| @harrybelafonte | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
The path to fame for Harry Belafonte was not easy. Born into a poor family in Harlem, he faced numerous challenges from an early age. His parents’ divorce and subsequent time living with his grandmother in Jamaica shaped his early worldview. Returning to New York, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, an experience that broadened his horizons and instilled a sense of discipline. After the war, Belafonte struggled as a janitor and worked various jobs to make ends meet while pursuing his passion for the arts. His dedication and talent eventually led him to the stage, where he honed his skills and developed his unique style of calypso music. The cost of becoming a legend was immense, but Belafonte’s perseverance and resilience were his greatest assets.
Identity before fame
Before he became a household name, Harry Belafonte was a young man navigating the complexities of life in Harlem and Jamaica. His early years were marked by poverty and a sense of displacement. He attended George Washington High School in New York but dropped out to join the U.S. Navy. After his service, he worked as a janitor and later as a stock clerk, all while pursuing his love for the arts. His exposure to the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem, including the American Negro Theatre, played a crucial role in shaping his identity. It was during this period that he began to develop his skills as a performer, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Timeline
- 1927 – Born in Harlem, New York
- 1932 – Moves to Jamaica to live with his grandmother
- 1941 – Returns to New York and attends George Washington High School
- 1944-1945 – Serves in the U.S. Navy during World War II
- 1947 – Begins working as a janitor and stock clerk, pursues acting
- 1949 – Performs at the Royal Roost nightclub in New York City
- 1953 – Releases the album “Calypso,” which becomes a massive hit
- 1956 – Wins a Tony Award for his performance in “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac”
- 1960s – Active in the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- 2022 – Continues to advocate for social justice and human rights
Favourites
- Music Genre – Calypso
- Influential Person – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Movie – “Island in the Sun” (1957)
- Book – “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
- City – New York City, New York
- Album – “Calypso” (1956)
- Song – “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)”
- Charity – The Sankofa Organization
- Food – Jamaican dishes like Ackee and Saltfish
- Holiday – Christmas
Controversies
- Support for Fidel Castro – Belafonte’s support for the Cuban leader has been a point of controversy, leading to criticism from some quarters.
- Comments on Barack Obama – In 2008, Belafonte criticized then-candidate Barack Obama, leading to a public rift that was later reconciled.
- Activism and Hollywood – Belafonte’s outspoken activism has sometimes put him at odds with the entertainment industry, leading to reduced film and TV offers.
- Anti-War Stances – His strong opposition to the Iraq War and other U.S. military interventions has drawn criticism from conservative media.
- Racial Tensions – Belafonte’s candid comments on race relations in America have sometimes been met with backlash.
- Pan-Africanism – His advocacy for Pan-African unity has been both praised and criticized, with some questioning the feasibility of his ideas.
- Charitable Donations – Allegations of mismanagement of charitable funds, though largely unfounded, have nevertheless been a source of controversy.
- Personal Life – Divorce and subsequent marriages have been subjects of media scrutiny, though Belafonte has largely kept his personal life private.
- Support for Palestine – His vocal support for the Palestinian cause has led to criticism from pro-Israel groups.
- Criticism of the American Media – Belafonte has been critical of the American media for its biases and lack of objectivity, leading to tension with some journalists.
Control vs chaos
Throughout his life, Harry Belafonte has navigated the delicate balance between control and chaos. His early years were marked by the chaos of poverty and family upheaval, but he found a sense of control through his artistic pursuits. His disciplined approach to his craft, whether in music or acting, has been a consistent theme. In the civil rights movement, Belafonte often found himself at the center of chaotic events, but his strategic thinking and leadership helped to bring order and direction to the cause. Even in his later years, Belafonte continues to balance his public activism with a private life that values family and personal well-being.
Emotional geography
Harry Belafonte’s emotional geography is a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped his worldview. His time in Jamaica, marked by hardship and connection to his roots, instilled in him a deep appreciation for his heritage. Returning to the bustling streets of Harlem, he felt both the claustrophobia of poverty and the excitement of a vibrant cultural scene. His military service broadened his horizons and gave him a sense of purpose. The joy and fulfillment he found on stage and in the civil rights movement are central to his emotional landscape. Despite the challenges, Belafonte’s journey is characterized by resilience, hope, and a deep commitment to social justice.
FAQs
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What is Harry Belafonte best known for?
Harry Belafonte is best known for his contributions to calypso music, especially his hit song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” He is also renowned for his activism in the civil rights movement and his humanitarian work.
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When was Harry Belafonte born?
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York.
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Where did Harry Belafonte grow up?
Harry Belafonte spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, living with his grandmother, before returning to New York City.
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What was Harry Belafonte’s first job?
Harry Belafonte’s first job was as a janitor. He later worked as a stock clerk while pursuing his passion for acting and music.
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What significant event in Harry Belafonte’s life happened during World War II?
During World War II, Harry Belafonte served in the U.S. Navy, an experience that broadened his horizons and instilled a sense of discipline.
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When did Harry Belafonte release his most famous album?
Harry Belafonte released his most famous album, “Calypso,” in 1956. It became a massive hit and helped establish him as the “King of Calypso.”
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What was Harry Belafonte’s role in the civil rights movement?
Harry Belafonte was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and using his platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice.
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What awards has Harry Belafonte won?
Harry Belafonte has won numerous awards, including a Tony Award for his performance in “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac” and several Grammy Awards.
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What is Harry Belafonte’s most famous movie?
Harry Belafonte’s most famous movie is “Island in the Sun” (1957), which helped to establish him as a talented actor.
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What is Harry Belafonte’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Harry Belafonte was a close friend and ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., supporting him in the civil rights movement and often standing by his side during key events.
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What is Harry Belafonte’s stance on social issues?
Harry Belafonte is a strong advocate for social justice, human rights, and racial equality. He has been vocal about issues such as poverty, war, and civil rights.
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What are some of the controversies surrounding Harry Belafonte?
Harry Belafonte has been involved in controversies over his support for Fidel Castro, his comments on Barack Obama, and his strong anti-war stances, among other issues.
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What is Harry Belafonte’s approach to activism?
Harry Belafonte’s approach to activism is grounded in a deep sense of moral responsibility and a commitment to using his platform to create positive change. He often combines his art with his activism to amplify his message.
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What are some of Harry Belafonte’s favorite things?
Harry Belafonte is known to enjoy calypso music, Jamaican dishes like Ackee and Saltfish, and the city of New York. He is also a fan of the book “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and the movie “Island in the Sun.”
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What is Harry Belafonte’s legacy?
Harry Belafonte’s legacy is one of artistic excellence and unwavering commitment to social justice. He is remembered not only for his music and acting but also for his tireless advocacy for civil rights and humanitarian causes.