Harry Belafonte

Full Name: Harold Bellanfanti, Jr
Profession: Calypso Singer, Actor and Civil Rights Activist

Nationality:

Biography: Belafonte, arguably the best known Jamaican-American entertainer, is known for his recording of "The Banana Boat Song". His breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a solo artist,

He appeared in many films, in musical, comedic, and dramatic roles, (Carmen Jones; Buck and The Preacher; Uptown Saturday Night; The White Burden). He also starred in several variety and concert specials on television.

Inspired by the success of the 1984 UK all-star music charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?", Belafonte suggested what became the USA for Africa hit "We Are The World". The single was a worldwide hit, and the fastest-selling US pop single in history.

Belafonte has won three Grammy Awards (including Lifetime Achievement Award), an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

In 2022, he became the oldest living inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in the Early Influence category).

Born: March 1, 1927
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Pisces

Died: April 25, 2023 (aged 96)