United States
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Harold George Bellanfanti Jr.
New York City, United States
Archival Overview
Charismatic singer, actor, and towering civil rights champion who popularized Caribbean calypso with Day-O. Close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr. and architect of USA for Africa's We Are the World.
Biographical Record
Harry Belafonte (1927–2023) broke historic racial barriers in entertainment while dedicating his life and wealth to the pursuit of global racial justice. Born in Harlem to Jamaican immigrant parents and raised partly in the Caribbean, Belafonte became the \"King of Calypso\" with his 1956 album Calypso—the first solo LP in music history to sell over one million copies.
Using his fame as a powerful platform, he was a pivotal strategist, financier, and organizer for the Civil Rights Movement, bailing out jailed freedom riders and working intimately alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped bankroll the 1963 March on Washington and rallied fellow artists for human dignity.
In 1985, Belafonte spearheaded the creation of \"We Are the World\", raising tens of millions for famine relief in Ethiopia, and served for over three decades as a tireless UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Key Life Milestones
Historic Calypso Breakthrough
Released Calypso, featuring the immortal Banana Boat Song (Day-O), becoming the first solo album in music history to sell over one million copies.
Conception of USA for Africa
Initiated and organized the landmark We Are the World recording, uniting 45 music icons and raising over $60 million for African famine relief.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialNew York City, United States