Biography
Harry Belafonte, born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City, was the son of Jamaican immigrants and spent part of his childhood in Jamaica before returning to New York. Facing poverty and a turbulent family life, Belafonte joined the Navy during World War II and later began singing in New York clubs to pay for acting classes, where his early performances were backed by jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis[1][6][9].
Belafonte's breakthrough came with the film 'Carmen Jones' in 1954, which propelled him into the spotlight. His 1956 album 'Calypso' became the first LP by a single artist to sell over one million copies in a year, introducing calypso and Caribbean folk music to international audiences and earning him the title 'King of Calypso.' While best known for hits like 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)' and 'Jamaica Farewell,' Belafonte recorded in a wide range of genres, including blues, folk, gospel, jazz, and American standards[1][2][3][4][5][8].
Beyond music, Belafonte was a prominent actor, producer, and civil rights activist, closely involved with Martin Luther King Jr. and instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement. He championed social causes worldwide, produced the Grammy-winning single 'We Are the World,' and was the first Black American man to receive an Emmy Award. Belafonte's legacy endures through his musical innovations, social activism, and influence on generations of artists[1][4][6].
Fun Facts
- Belafonte's album 'Calypso' (1956) was the first LP by a single artist to sell over one million copies in a year[1][4][8].
- He was the first Black American man to win an Emmy Award for his TV special 'Tonight with Belafonte'[4][6].
- Belafonte served in the U.S. Navy during World War II after dropping out of high school[6][9].
- He was a key organizer and producer of the charity single 'We Are the World,' which sold over 20 million copies[4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Charlie Parker - Belafonte performed with Parker's band early in his career, gaining exposure to jazz and club music. (Live club performances in New York) [Late 1940s]
- Library of Congress Folk Song Archives - Belafonte learned American folk songs from the archives, shaping his repertoire and musical style. (Folk song performances and recordings) [Early 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Bob Dylan - Dylan played harmonica on Belafonte's album. (Album 'Midnight Special' (1962)) [1962]
- Odetta - Recorded folk songs together. (Duet 'There's a Hole in My Bucket') [1960s]
- Miriam Makeba - Belafonte introduced Makeba to U.S. audiences and collaborated on world music projects. (Live performances, joint activism) [1960s]
- Nana Mouskouri - Introduced Mouskouri to American audiences. (Concerts and recordings) [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Miriam Makeba - Belafonte's support helped launch her international career. (Makeba's U.S. debut and subsequent albums) [1960s]
- Artists of 'We Are the World' - Belafonte produced the charity single, influencing a generation of musicians in activism. ('We Are the World' (1985)) [1985]
- Countless folk and calypso musicians - His popularization of calypso and Caribbean music inspired many artists globally. (Calypso genre recordings and performances) [1950s onward]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jump Up Calypso | 1961-07-21 | Album |
| Calypso | 1956 | Album |
| Belafonte Sings of The Caribbean | 1957-08-16 | Album |
| Beetlejuice (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 1988-01-01 | Album |
| Belafonte | 1956-01-20 | Album |
| An Evening with Belafonte | 1957-03-22 | Album |
| To Wish You A Merry Christmas | 1962 | Album |
| Paradise In Gazankulu | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| An Evening With Belafonte/Mouskouri | 1965-12-20 | Album |
| Belafonte: At Carnegie Hall | 1959-07-01 | Album |
| Belafonte Sings the Blues | 1959-06-26 | Album |
| Belafonte On Campus | 1967-05-22 | Album |
| Love is a Gentle Thing | 1959-02-20 | Album |
| Belafonte Sings of Love | 1968-04-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Jump in the Line (Jump Up Calypso)
- Banana Boat (Day-O) (Calypso)
- Jamaica Farewell - Remastered (Calypso)
- Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)
- Jump in the Line
- Banana Boat Song
- Island In The Sun
- Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)
- Coconut Woman (Belafonte Sings of The Caribbean)
- Matilda (Belafonte)
External Links
Tags: #calypso, #contemporary-folk, #folk
References
Heard on WWOZ
harry belafonte has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | 21:44 | the jack-ass song | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Jan 1, 2026 | 20:37 | monkey. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 19:06 | when the saints go marching | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |