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Overview
Harry Belafonte (1927-2023) was an iconic American singer, actor, and activist. He was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. in New York City. Belafonte achieved international fame for popularizing calypso music in the 1950s. His album ‘Calypso’ (1956) was a groundbreaking success, becoming the first LP by a single artist to sell over a million copies. This album included hits like ‘Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)’ and ‘Jamaica Farewell.’ Beyond his musical achievements, Belafonte was a dedicated activist in the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. He provided financial support to the movement and advocated for social justice. He also starred in films like ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Odds Against Tomorrow’. Belafonte served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. His multifaceted career and commitment to humanitarian causes solidified his legacy as a cultural icon.
