Born in Harlem, New York, on March 1, 1927, Harry Belafonte was a well-known singer, actor, and activist who promoted civil rights and revolutionized music. Acknowledged as the “King of Calypso” for bringing the genre to the masses with hits like “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” he was the first performer to sell more than one million copies of his ground-breaking Calypso album. In addition to her career in music, Belafonte had a strong commitment to social justice. She collaborated closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and supported some charitable initiatives. His long history of activism and artistic brilliance has made him a well-liked and significant figure on a global scale.
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Quick Bio
| Name: | Harry Belafonte |
| Age: | 96 years old |
| Net Worth: | $30 Million |
| Birthdate: | Mar 1, 1927 |
| Birthplace: | Harlem |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.82 m) |
| Profession: | American singer and actor |
| Nationality: | United States |
| Spouse: | Pamela Frank (2008 – 2023) |
| Children: | Shari Belafonte, David Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer |
| Parents: | Melvine Bellanfanti, Harold George Bellanfanti, Sr. |
| Died: | April 25, 2023 (Upper West Side, New York, United States) |
Harry Belafonte’s Early Life
Born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, Harry Bela fonte was the son of Jamaican immigrants. Being raised in Jamaica for a large portion of his early years had a profound impact on Belafonte’s perspective on the world and his creative output.
How Did Harry Belafonte Become Famous?
With his breakthrough album Calypso (1956), Belafonte launched the Calypso music genre to American listeners and rose to prominence in the 1950s. His version of “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” went viral, and he became the first musician to sell more than a million copies of an album.
Calypso and Musical Success
Throughout his career, Belafonte experimented with various genres, including folk, blues, and pop, but his Calypso record solidified his place in music history. Millions of copies of his more than 30 albums have been sold globally.
Harry Bela Fonte Personal Life
Belafonte was a fervent supporter of social justice and civil rights throughout the entirety of his life. He assisted in funding the Civil Rights Movement and collaborated closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Belafonte was well-known for his humanitarian efforts, especially in Africa, in addition to his activism.
Harry Belafonte’s Family and First Wife
Belafonte had three marriages. In 1948, he wed Marguerite Byrd, his first wife, and the two of them bore Adrienne and Shari Belafonte. Later, in 1957, he wed dancer Julie Robinson, with whom he had two additional children, David and Gina. In 2008, he wed Pamela Frank for the last time.
Harry Belafonte’s Children and Grandchildren
Harry Bela fonte had four children: Adrienne, Shari, David, and Gina. He also had several grandkids, but little is known about their individual lives. His daughter Shari Belafonte pursued careers in acting, singing, and modelling.
Harry Belafonte Age at Death
On April 25, 2023, Belafonte passed away at the age of 96. As an activist, performer, and singer, he created a lasting legacy.
Harry Bela Fonte Nationality
Belafonte never wavered in his devotion to his Jamaican roots despite being born in the US. He held dual nationality, being both American and Jamaican.
How Many Albums Did Harry Belafonte Sell?
Harry Bela fonte’s sold millions of recordings during his career, yet specific sales figures are hard to come by. His Calypso CD alone achieved a big milestone in the music industry by selling over a million copies.
What Was Harry Belafonte’s Net Worth?
Harry Bela fonte’s long career in music, acting, and advocacy contributed to his estimated $30 million net worth at the time of his death.
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