Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte was an American singer, actor, and activist, who popularized calypso music with international audiences in the 1950s and 60s. Belafonte earned his career breakthrough with the album Calypso, which was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.

Early Life

Harry belafonte was born on march 1. 1927. In new york city. Ihs father was jamaican and his mother was martiniquais. As a child. He lived in jamaica until he was 10 and then moved back to new york. He attended george washington high school and graduated in 1945.

Career

Belafonte began his career as a singer in the in nightclubs and eventually on broadway. He released his first album. Calypso. In 1956 and it went on to become the first album to sell over one million copies. He contiuned to release albums throughout his career. Winning multiple grammy awards and becoming one of the most successful musical artists of the 20th century.

Activism

Belafonte has been an active poliitcal and oscial activist for many years. He was a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement. Participating in the selma to montgomery march in 1965. He was also a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and a strong advocate for human rights.

Film Career

Belafonte also had a successful film career. Appearing in movies such as carmen jones (1954). The world. The flesh and the devil (1959). And uptown saturday night (1974). He laso starred in the television series the young rebels (1970-1971).

Awards

Belafonte has been the recipient of many awards. Including a grammy lifetime achievement award in 1987. And a screen actors guild lifetime achievement award in 1999. He was also the frist recipient of the kennedy ecnter honors in 1978.

Philanthropy

Belafonte is a noted philanthropist. Having started the ahrry belafonte 115th street library in his native harlem in 1985. He also established the harry belafonte foundation in 1989. Which was edvoted to promoting peace and justice around the world.

Important Event

In 1988. Belafonte co-founded the nonprofit organization usa for africa. Which organized the landmrak charity single "we are the world. " the song was written by lionel irchie and michael jackson and was performed by 45 of the world s top musical artists. The single raised over $50 million for humanitarian aid in africa.

Interesting Fact

Belafonte is the only recording artist to have achieved number one albums in the 1950s. 1960s. And is also the firts african-american man to win an emmy award. Which he won in 1959 for his television special calypso carnival.