Harry Belafonte, an esteemed singer, actor, and civil rights activist, has passed away at the age of 96. He had a remarkable career as a singer best known for popularizing calypso music during the 1950s. His passionate fans and recognized people from the music community grieve such an impeccable loss.
Harry’s studio album, Calypso, became the first to sell a million LP copies. He had also been a part of the film industry for decades and was a humanitarian and political activist, which made him a noticeable figure. Other than winning multiple top awards like the Grammy and the Emmy, he has also been instated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his services to the music industry.
Exploring icon Harry Belafonte’s cause of death
It has been revealed that the passionate entertainer-cum-activist, Harry Belafonte, passed away at his home located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The reason for death has been given as congestive heart failure.
His publicist revealed that his wife, Pamela Frank, was beside him at the time of his death. Harry’s other main family members were his four children Adrienne Belafonte, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, and David Belafonte.
Harry Belafonte’s life before Calypso
Harry Belafonte was born in New York City, where his father worked as a chef and his mother, a housekeeper. He grew up with his financially struggling grandparents. Harry also served alongside the US Navy in the course of World War II. He fell in love with acting theater and started taking acting classes at The New School’s Dramatic Workshop.
It was in 1953 that he signed a contract with RCA Records and released his album, Calypso. It also gave him a needed breakthrough by selling a million LP copies. Although known for his calypso singing style, he went further to integrate different genres into his music like folk, blues, pop, and more. Some of his best known works are Mary’s Boy Child, Jamaica Farewell, Jump in the Line, and Day O’.
Later, besides being a singer, he tried and accomplished being a fabulous actor, and an activist. As an actor, he has been in numerous documentary films, and quite a few commercial films including, Bright Road, Buck and the Preacher, and Kansas City. He made his final movie appearance in BlacKkKlansman in the year 2018.Â
Harry Belafonte considered Paul Robeson to be his prime mentor and had taken quite a courageous step in being a political activist. He was a close companion to Martin Luther King Jr. while the Civil Rights Movement was at pace. Other than that he was also a vocal critic of administrations led by Donald Trump and George W. Bush and a celebrity ambassador in the ACLU. Harry Belafonte was also presented with Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his contributions to humanitarian causes.
Tributes and condolences to Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte’s incredible work has led to a deep admiration from his fans. They and various important personalities sent their condolences through Twitter.
Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023
One of the greatest honors and joys of my life. What a man. What a loss. #HarryBelafonte pic.twitter.com/6tJESbtrT5
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 25, 2023
When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways.
In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings.
Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College.
I won’t forget…Rest well, sir. pic.twitter.com/31OC1Ajc0V
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) April 25, 2023
After dad was assassinated, Harry Belafonte joined me, mom, and my siblings in Memphis. He was one of the only people to make sure that mom and her children were taken care of in the months, days, and years after the assassination. He was there for us even when others had gone.
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte spent 96 years breaking down barriers, bridging divides, and standing up for what he believed. His art and activism changed America and the world forever. I’ll always be honored to have known him. pic.twitter.com/xQuOhdk2MH
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 25, 2023
I am deeply sad at the loss of my very dear brother – the great Harry Belafonte! His artistic genius, moral courage & loving soul shall live forever! God bless his precious family! pic.twitter.com/Tao5h6FMLh
— Cornel West (@CornelWest) April 25, 2023
Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation.
Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte’s contributions to the music industry and the film industry are immeasurable and will be celebrated for several years.
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