Who are Harry Belafonte Parents? Meet Harold George Bellanfanti, Sr And Melvine Bellanfanti

Who was the Harry Belafonte?

Harry Belafonte is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist who is best known for his contribution to the American folk music scene during the 1950s and 1960s. Born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, Belafonte was the son of Caribbean immigrants.

He experienced poverty and racial discrimination during his early years, which helped shape his political and social activism later in life. Belafonte’s music career began in the 1950s when he started performing in clubs and theaters in New York City. He was known for his distinctive voice, which combined elements of Caribbean and American folk music.

He gained international fame with his album “Calypso,” which became the first album to sell over one million copies. The album featured his signature song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” which remains one of his most recognizable songs to this day.

Belafonte was not only a successful musician but also a passionate activist. He was involved in the Civil Rights Movement and was a close friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also played a key role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and was a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

Belafonte’s career has spanned over seven decades, and he has received numerous awards for his work as a musician and activist. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Grammys.

Harry Belafonte Biography

Born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, Belafonte was the son of Caribbean immigrants. He experienced poverty and racial discrimination during his early years, which helped shape his political and social activism later in life. Belafonte’s life story is nothing short of fascinating.

He was born in Harlem, New York, to Caribbean immigrants and grew up in poverty during the Great Depression. Despite his humble beginnings, Belafonte went on to become a successful musician and actor, as well as a passionate activist for social and political causes. Belafonte’s music career began in the 1950s when he started performing in clubs and theaters in New York City.

He quickly gained a following for his unique blend of Caribbean and American folk music. In 1956, he released his album “Calypso,” which included the hit song “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” The album became the first album to sell over one million copies and helped to popularize Caribbean music in the United States.

He was also a political activist. He was a friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. He also worked to end apartheid in South Africa

Harry Belafonte Age

Harry Belafonte was an American singer, actor, and social activist who was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York. He was known for his distinctive voice and his contributions to the civil rights movement. Unfortunately, Harry Belafonte passed away on April 25, 2024, in Manhattan, New York, at the age of 96.

His passing was a great loss to the music industry and the world of social activism. During his long and illustrious career, Belafonte was a trailblazer and a pioneer. He was the first artist to sell over one million copies of an album with his 1956 record “Calypso.”

He also acted in several films, including “Carmen Jones” and “Buck and the Preacher.” Belafonte was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement. He worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders to promote racial equality and social justice. He also used his platform as a performer to speak out against injustices and promote positive change.

Despite his passing, Harry Belafonte’s legacy lives on. He will be remembered for his immense talent, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his contribution to the advancement of music and culture.

Harry Belafonte Height and Weight

Harry Belafonte’s height was reported to be 5 feet and 11 inches (182 cm), and his weight was around 80 kg (176 lbs). However, it is important to note that height and weight can change over time and can vary depending on factors such as diet and exercise.

Harry Belafonte Nationality

 Harry Belafonte is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist who was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City. Belafonte is of mixed race heritage, with a Jamaican mother and a father who was of African-American and Martiniquais descent. While he was born in the United States, he has always maintained a strong connection to his Caribbean roots.

Belafonte spent a significant portion of his childhood in Jamaica, and his experiences there greatly influenced his music and activism. He has also been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice issues in both the United States and the Caribbean. In addition to his musical and acting career, Belafonte has worked with various humanitarian organizations and was a close friend and collaborator of Martin Luther King Jr.

Harry Belafonte Career

Harry Belafonte is a legendary performer and social activist who has had a career spanning over seven decades. He first rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of calypso and American pop music, which was inspired by his childhood in Jamaica. Belafonte’s hits included “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” “Jamaica Farewell,” and “Jump in the Line.”

He also acted in numerous films and television shows, including “Carmen Jones” and “Island in the Sun.” Belafonte was also an important figure in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists, using his platform as a performer to raise awareness about racial inequality and social justice issues. Belafonte was also involved in humanitarian efforts, working with UNICEF and other organizations to combat poverty and improve the lives of children around the world.

Belafonte’s career has been marked by numerous accolades and honors. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and was the first African American to win an Emmy Award for his television special “Tonight with Belafonte.” He has also been recognized for his humanitarian work, receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2014. Throughout his career, Belafonte has used his art and activism to inspire change and make a positive impact on the world.

Harry Belafonte Achievement and Awards

Here are some of Harry Belafonte’s most notable achievements and awards:

1. Grammy Awards: Belafonte has won three Grammy Awards over the course of his career. He won the Best Folk Recording award for his album “Swing Dat Hammer” in 1960, the Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording award for his album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba” in 1966, and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000.

2. Tony Award: In 1954, Belafonte won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway revue “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.”

3. Emmy Award: Belafonte won an Emmy Award in 1960 for his television special “Tonight with Belafonte,” which was the first ever television special starring a black performer.

4. Kennedy Center Honors: In 1989, Belafonte was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, which recognize lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

5. NAACP Image Award: Belafonte has won two NAACP Image Awards for his contributions to music and activism.

6. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award: In 2020, Belafonte was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes performers who have made significant contributions to the music industry.

7. Activism: Belafonte has been recognized for his activism in the civil rights movement and other social causes. In 2013, he was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for his lifelong commitment to social justice.