# Harry Belafonte

> American singer, actor and civil rights activist (1927–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q214959](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214959)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Belafonte)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harry-belafonte

## Summary
Harry Belafonte was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist (1927–2023). He is best known for his contributions to music, film, and activism, particularly for promoting Caribbean culture and advocating for racial equality. His work in calypso, folk, and pop music, along with his roles in films and television, helped shape American entertainment and cultural identity.

## Biography
- Born: March 1, 1927, Harlem, New York City, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended The New School, Spelman College, and the University of California, Los Angeles
- Known for: Pioneering Caribbean music in the United States, activism for civil rights, and contributions to film and television
- Employer(s): UNICEF, The New School
- Field(s): Music, Acting, Activism

## Contributions
- **Music**: Released the album *Calypso* (1956), which helped popularize calypso music in the United States. His work bridged Caribbean and American musical traditions.
- **Acting**: Starred in films such as *Carmen Jones* (1954) and *The King and I* (1956), earning critical acclaim and industry recognition.
- **Activism**: Advocated for civil rights and peace, working with organizations like UNICEF and receiving awards for humanitarian efforts.

## FAQs
**What was Harry Belafonte known for?**
Harry Belafonte was known for his contributions to music, acting, and activism. He popularized calypso music in the United States, starred in influential films, and advocated for civil rights and peace.

**Where did Harry Belafonte study?**
Harry Belafonte attended The New School, Spelman College, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he pursued education and artistic training.

**What awards did Harry Belafonte receive?**
Harry Belafonte received numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, the Emmy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors, among others.

**What was Harry Belafonte's role in activism?**
Harry Belafonte was a prominent civil rights and peace activist. He worked with UNICEF and received awards for his humanitarian efforts, such as the Ambassador of Conscience Award.

## Why They Matter
Harry Belafonte mattered as a cultural bridge between Caribbean and American music, helping to popularize calypso and folk music in the United States. His activism for civil rights and peace made him a prominent figure in the movement, influencing future generations of activists. His work in film and television also shaped American entertainment, particularly in the representation of African American culture.

## Notable For
- Pioneered Caribbean music in the United States through albums like *Calypso* (1956).
- Starred in influential films such as *Carmen Jones* (1954) and *The King and I* (1956).
- Advocated for civil rights and peace, working with organizations like UNICEF.
- Received prestigious awards, including the Tony Award, Emmy Award, and Kennedy Center Honors.
- Held honorary degrees and recognition for his contributions to the arts and activism.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City, to parents of Jamaican descent. He attended The New School, Spelman College, and the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied music and the arts. His education laid the foundation for his career in entertainment and activism.

### Music Career
Harry Belafonte's music career began in the 1940s, performing in clubs and on radio. His album *Calypso* (1956) was a landmark release, helping to popularize calypso music in the United States. He worked with record labels like Jubilee Records and RCA Victor, contributing to the evolution of popular music.

### Acting Career
Harry Belafonte's acting career included roles in films such as *Carmen Jones* (1954) and *The King and I* (1956). He also appeared in television shows and stage productions, earning critical acclaim and industry recognition. His performances helped shape the representation of African American culture in film and television.

### Activism and Advocacy
Harry Belafonte was a prominent civil rights and peace activist. He worked with organizations like UNICEF and received awards for his humanitarian efforts, including the Ambassador of Conscience Award. His activism made him a respected figure in the movement for racial equality and global peace.

### Awards and Recognition
Harry Belafonte received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, the Emmy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also recognized with honorary degrees and other distinctions for his contributions to the arts and activism.

### Legacy
Harry Belafonte's legacy includes his pioneering work in music, film, and activism. His contributions to Caribbean music, civil rights, and cultural representation continue to influence artists and activists today. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of art and advocacy in shaping society.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
4. [Harry Belafonte dead at 96: Barrier-breaking singer and actor best known for 'The Banana Boat Song' and 'Jump In the Line' turned civil-rights activist passes away at home in Manhattan. Daily Mail. 2023](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12011757/Singer-Harry-Belafonte-dead-96.html)
5. [Harry Belafonte, singer, actor and tireless activist, dies aged 96. The Guardian. 2023](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/apr/25/harry-belafonte-singer-dies-actor-singer-activist)
6. [Source](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/amerika/harry-belafonte-118.html)
7. [Mehr als ein Gute-Laune-Barde: Daran starb Harry Belafonte. T-Online. 2023](https://www.t-online.de/unterhaltung/stars/id_100165834/harry-belafonte-saenger-stirbt-mit-96-jahren.html)
8. BnF authorities
9. [Harry Belafonte | UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org/goodwill-ambassadors/harry-belafonte)
10. [Harry Belafonte, barrier-smashing entertainer and activist, dies at 96. The Washington Post. 2023](https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/04/25/harry-belafonte-singer-dies/)
11. [In Memoriam: Harry Belafonte, Groundbreaking Singer, Actor, and Activist, and School of Drama Alum. 2023](https://blogs.newschool.edu/news/2023/04/in-memoriam-harry-belafonte-groundbreaking-singer-actor-and-activist-and-school-of-drama-alum/)
12. [A Conversation with Harry Belafonte. 2002](https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/kennedy-library-forums/past-forums/transcripts/a-conversation-with-harry-belafonte)
13. [Harry Belafonte, Trailblazing Performer and Fierce Civil Rights Activist, Dies at 96. Time. 2023](https://time.com/5750832/harry-belafonte-dies/)
14. IMDb
15. [Source](https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1960/outstanding-performance-in-a-variety-or-music-program)
16. [Harry Belafonte, trailblazing singer, actor and activist, dies at 96. USA Today. 2023](https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/04/25/harry-belafonte-dies-actor-singer-activist-king-of-calypso/2750984001/)
17. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/harry-belafonte/)
18. [Harry Belafonte Academy Awards Acceptance Speech](https://aaspeechesdb.oscars.org/link/087-200/)
19. [Source](https://jis.gov.jm/information/awards/order-of-jamaica/)
20. [Source](https://www.spelman.edu/docs/honorary-degrees/honorary-degree-recipients---1977-present---as-of-november-2022---revised-(012023).pdf?sfvrsn=f4347e51_2)
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35. www.acmi.net.au
36. [Harry Belafonte, 96, Dies; Barrier-Breaking Singer, Actor and Activist. The New York Times. 2023](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/25/arts/music/harry-belafonte-dead.html)
37. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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43. [Source](https://bodysize.org/fr/harry-belafonte/)
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48. [Source](https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Harry_Belafonte?oldid=1307109)
49. Harry Belafonte at Singers.com - Songbooks, sheet music and Choral arrangements. Singers.com
50. performing-arts.ch