Belafonte << `behl` uh FON tee >>, Harry (1927-2023), was an American singer and motion-picture actor. He became best known for his interpretations of West Indian calypso music. Belafonte also popularized Asian and African songs, as well as American ballads, blues, and spirituals.
Harold George Belafonte was born in New York City on March 1, 1927. He lived in Kingston, Jamaica, from the ages of 8 to 13. Belafonte returned to New York City in 1940 and studied acting there. He tried to pursue a career in the theater, but had difficulty finding work. In 1949, Belafonte began a career as a jazz singer, with some success. However, it was through pursuing an interest in folk music that he achieved his greatest fame. He searched out material through the Archive of Folk Song at the Library of Congress.
Belafonte signed a recording contract in 1952, and reached the peak of his success from 1956 to 1962. He won popularity for his calypso songs, including “Jamaica Farewell” and “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” (both 1956), and “Matilda” (1957). He also had a hit with the spiritual “Mary’s Boy Child” (1956). In addition, Belafonte appeared in several motion pictures, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), Buck and the Preacher (1972), and Kansas City (1996).
In the late 1900’s, Belafonte became involved in civil rights activities in the United States, as well as international humanitarian work. He was active in the charity organization USA for Africa, and in the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Belafonte wrote a memoir, My Song (2011), with Michael Shnayerson. He was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 2013. In 2014, Belafonte received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his humanitarian work. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Belafonte died on April 25, 2023. Shari Belafonte, his daughter, is a television and motion-picture actress.
