Harry Belafonte Celebrating Black History Month (Videos)

Blogged By: La Tray

Source: Biography

Bio & Facts By: Biography

Media Credit: Photo (Harry Belafonte – eurweb.com) Photo 2 (Belafonte & Dandridge – multibeautiful-dreamwidth.org) / Video 1 (YouTube – better) / Video 2 (YouTube – HBO)

Posted: Friday February 10, 2012 @ 1:58 a.m. PST

According to Biography: Fact #14 Due to his acclaimed “Banana Boat” song, most people assume Harry Belafonte was born in the Caribbean; in fact, the internationally renowned entertainment icon and human rights activist was born in Harlem, New York.

Fact #15

Musician and activist Harry Belafonte originally devised the idea for “We Are the World,” a single that he hoped would help raise money for famine relief in Africa. The single became the fastest selling in history, making more than $20 million worldwide.

Quick Facts

NAME:Harold George Belafonte, Jr.
OCCUPATION:Civil Rights Activist, Actor, Musician
BIRTH DATE:March 01, 1927 (Age: 84)
PLACE OF BIRTH: New York City, New York
Nickname: King of Calypso

ZODIAC SIGN:Pisces

Best Known For

Harry Belafonte has achieved lasting fame for such songs as “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” and for his humanitarian work.

Quotes

Art. There’s nothing more powerful in the universe than it, because it is the recorder of the truth. – Harry Belafonte

Bio Synopsis:A multi-talented performer, Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in New York City. As a youth, he struggled with poverty and a turbulent family life. Belafonte’s career took off with the film Carmen Jones (1954). Soon after, he had several hits—”The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell.” In addition to his acting and singing career, Belafonte worked as a champion for many social and political causes.

Belafonte received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Joe in Carmen Jones, a soldier who falls for the title character, played by Dorothy Dandridge.