Harry Belafonte facts: Calypso singer's age, wife, children and songs revealed

25 April 2023, 15:22

Harry Belafonte was one of the world's most celebrated singers of all time, from his days as the 'King of Calypso' to his career as an activist.

Harry Belafonte appeared in many films, and used his voice as a humanitarian, and stood up for civil rights.

Following his death at the age of 96 in April 2023, here are all the important facts about the legendary star:

1. Who was Harry Belafonte?

   

   Harry Belafonte was a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor.

   He was known as one of the most successful Jamaican-American singers in history, and was nicknamed the 'King of Calypso' for popularizing the Caribbean musical style around the world in the 1950s.

   He performed in many music genres, including blues, folk, gospel, musicals, and American standards.

   He was also an actor, appearing in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).

2. When did he become an activist?

   

   Belafonte's political beliefs were inspired by singer and Communist activist Paul Robeson, who mentored him. Robeson opposed not racial prejudice in the United States and western colonialism in Africa.

   Harry Belafonte was an early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s and was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr.

   He was an advocate for various political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for Africa.

   Since 1987, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He also acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues.

   In 2001, he travelled to South Africa to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. In 2004, Belafonte went to Kenya to highlight the importance of educating children in the country.

   Belafonte was also been involved in prostate cancer advocacy since 1996, when he was diagnosed and successfully treated for the disease.

3. When was Harry Belafonte born?

   

   Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927. He celebrated his 96th birthday in 2023.

   He was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, in Harlem, New York. He was the son of Melvine (née Love), a housekeeper, and Harold George Bellanfanti Sr, a chef.

   His mother was born in Jamaica, and was the child of a Scottish white mother and a black father.

   His father also was born in Jamaica, and was the child of a black mother and Dutch Jewish father of Sephardi origins.

4. Was Harry Belafonte married and did he have any children?

   

   Belafonte was married to Marguerite Byrd from 1948 to 1957. They had two daughters: Adrienne and Shari.

   Adrienne and her daughter Rachel Blue later founded the Anir Foundation/Experience, which focuses on humanitarian work in southern Africa. Shari is a photographer, model, singer, and actress.

   In 1957, Belafonte married his second wife Julie Robinson, a former dancer. They had two children, David and Gina. After 47 years of marriage, Belafonte and Robinson divorced.

   

   David, Belafonte's only son, is a former model and actor and is an Emmy-winning and Grammy nominated music producer. He is the executive director of the family-held company Belafonte Enterprises Inc.

   Gina Belafonte is a TV and film actress, who helped found The Gathering For Justice, a non-profit organization working to reintroduce nonviolence.

   In April 2008, Belafonte married photographer Pamela Frank.

   

5. What are his most famous songs?

   

   Day O (Banana Boat Song)

   Harry Belafonte started his career in music as a club singer in New York, helping to pay for his acting classes.

   The first time he performed in front of an audience, was when he was backed by the Charlie Parker band, which featured Charlie Parker, Max Roach and Miles Davis, among others.

   

   Mary's Boy Child

   Perhaps his most famous song is his version of 'Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)', a traditional Jamaican song.

   He also scored a top 5 hit in the UK with 'Island in the Sun', and had a Christmas number one in 1959 with his version of 'Mary's Boy Child'.