Harry Belafonte

Date of Birth: March 1, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Harry Belafonte, born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr., was an iconic American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. Widely known as the “King of Calypso” for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s, Belafonte’s contributions to music, film, and social justice have made him a cultural and humanitarian icon. He was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican-born parents. His breakthrough album “Calypso” (1956) became the first LP in the world to sell over a million copies, featuring hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell.” Apart from his musical achievements, Belafonte was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He used his fame and wealth to support the movement, including funding the Freedom Rides and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In the 1980s, he helped organize the charity single “We Are the World” to raise funds for Africa. Belafonte’s activism extended into various causes, including fighting apartheid in South Africa, advocating for children’s rights, and addressing issues related to poverty and human rights. Belafonte’s film career included notable roles in movies such as “Carmen Jones” (1954), “Island in the Sun” (1957), and “Odds Against Tomorrow” (1959). He was also a frequent television performer and produced several well-received TV specials. Over his long and illustrious career, Harry Belafonte received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, highlighting his versatile talent and enduring influence.

5 Interesting Facts about Harry Belafonte

1. Harry Belafonte was the first African American man to win an Emmy Award.

2. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before starting his entertainment career.

3. Belafonte was blacklisted during the McCarthy era due to his political beliefs and activism.

4. He was a close friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and bailed him out of jail on several occasions.

5. Belafonte was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked extensively in Africa to promote health and education.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Belafonte

1. “Art is not just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be.”

2. “You can cage the singer but not the song.”

3. “My activism always existed. My art gave me the platform to do something about the activism.”

4. “The role of art isn’t just to show life as it is but to show life as it should be. We must look beyond the images and the words.”

5. “Each and every one of us has a responsibility to get involved in the way our world is shaped, in the way our communities are shaped.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Harry Belafonte’s net worth was estimated to be around $28 million.

Children

Harry Belafonte has four children from his marriages. He has two daughters, Adrienne and Shari Belafonte, from his first marriage to Marguerite Byrd. He also has a daughter, Gina Belafonte, and a son, David Belafonte, from his second marriage to Julie Robinson.