DIES @ 96

Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, actor, and social activist, born on March 1, 1927, in New York City, USA. Belafonte is best known for his smooth singing voice and his contributions to the civil rights movement.

Belafonte's music career began in the 1950s with his first hit, "Matilda," a calypso-style song. He went on to have many other hit songs, including "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," "Jamaica Farewell," and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Belafonte also acted in several films and television shows, including "Carmen Jones," "Island in the Sun," and "Buck and the Preacher."

Throughout his career, Belafonte has been a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights. He worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders, and his activism included participating in the 1963 March on Washington and organizing the "We Are the World" charity single in 1985.

AWARDS

Belafonte has received many honors for his contributions to music and activism, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He continues to be an influential figure in both music and social justice.

LIFE

Harry Belafonte has had a very interesting personal life. He was married to Marguerite Byrd from 1948 to 1957, and they had two daughters together, Adrienne and Shari. Belafonte later married Julie Robinson in 1957, and they have two children, David and Gina.

Belafonte has been very active in social and political causes throughout his life, and his personal life has often reflected his activism. For example, he was a close friend and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and he was instrumental in helping to organize the 1963 March on Washington.

Belafonte has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, and he has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1987. He has traveled extensively around the world, visiting many countries to help raise awareness about issues such as poverty, hunger, and HIV/AIDS.

Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Belafonte has also faced personal struggles throughout his life, including financial difficulties and health problems. However, he has remained a committed advocate for social justice and human rights, and his influence and legacy continue to inspire many people around the world.

ALBUMS

Harry Belafonte has released many albums throughout his long and illustrious career. Here is a list of some of his most notable albums:

Calypso (1956)

Belafonte (1956)

An Evening with Belafonte (1957)

Love Is a Gentle Thing (1959)

My Lord What a Morning (1960)

Jump Up Calypso (1961)

Midnight Special (1962)

Streets I Have Walked (1963)

Ballads, Blues and Boasters (1964)

Belafonte at The Greek Theatre (1964)

An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba (1965, with Miriam Makeba)

Calypso in Brass (1966)

Belafonte on Campus (1967)

Homeward Bound (1970)

Belafonte...Live! (1972)

Turn the World Around (1977)

Paradise in Gazankulu (1988)

These albums showcase Belafonte's diverse range of musical styles, from his early calypso hits to his later forays into folk, pop, and world music. Each album offers a unique glimpse into Belafonte's life and career, and his enduring legacy as a musician and social activist.

We Are the World

"We Are the World" is a charity single originally recorded in 1985 by the supergroup USA for Africa. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones. The song was released to raise funds for famine relief in Africa, and it quickly became a worldwide hit.

Harry Belafonte was one of the many musicians who participated in the recording of "We Are the World." He can be heard singing the third verse of the song, which includes the lyrics:

"We are the world"