He was the son of Melvine (née Love), a housekeeper, and Harold George Bellanfanti Sr, a chef. He was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, in Harlem, New York. Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927. In 2004, Belafonte went to Kenya to highlight the importance of educating children in the country.īelafonte has also been involved in prostate cancer advocacy since 1996, when he was diagnosed and successfully treated for the disease. In 2001, he travelled to South Africa to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. He also acts as the American Civil Liberties Union celebrity ambassador for juvenile justice issues. Since 1987, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He has been an advocate for various political and humanitarian causes, such as the Anti-Apartheid Movement and USA for 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. Robeson opposed not racial prejudice in the United States and western colonialism in Africa. He is also an actor, appearing in several films, including Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).īelafonte's political beliefs were inspired by singer and Communist activist Paul Robeson, who mentored him.

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

He is 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. Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. Here are all the important facts about the legendary star: Now into his 90s, Harry Belafonte is still active, appearing in films and using his voice as a humanitarian and standing up for civil rights. Harry Belafonte is 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.

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