US singer Harry Belafonte dies at the age of 96
DW
Sounds from the Caribbean
His tunes are known around the world: "The Banana Boat Song" with its cheerful "Day-O," or "Matilda," about a girl who steals money from a young man before disappearing to Venezuela, as well as the Caribbean love song "Island in the Sun." Thanks to these popular songs, entire generations know
The 'King of Calypso'
In 1956, Belafonte had his breakthrough in pop music with the album "Calypso." Critics accused him of mixing calypso music with jazz and folk elements to create a canned pop sound. But Belafonte just laughed off the bad reviews, inviting his critics to a debate instead: "Anyone who tries to stop me with nonsense about what is or isn't commercial is in for a fight."
As news of Belafonte's death spread, tributes came from all sections of society, from fellow artists, politicians and even prominent CEOs.
Martin Luther King's daughter Bernice wrote on Twitter that the singer was very compassionate towards her family and even paid for babysitting her and her siblings.
US Senator Bernie Sanders said that Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but also "a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression."
"Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much," Sanders said.
Ex-US President Barack Obama called Belafonte "a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up."
"Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans," Obama added.
American actress Mia Farrow also remembered Belafonte as a beautiful singer and "a brilliant and brave civil rights activist, a deeply moral and caring man."
Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the world has lost a true giant today. "Harry Belafonte was a barrier breaker who helped reshape our world through his civil rights advocacy, his music, and his acting," he wrote on Twitter.
dh, ab/jcg (Reuters, AFP)
April 25, 2023
Belafonte was one of the few Black singers who achieved success in the 1950s in the US.
Singer, actor and civil rights campaigner Harry Belafonte died on Tuesday at the age of 96, the US media reported.
He died of congestive heart failure while in his New York home with his wife Pamela by his side, according to his public relations firm.
Belafonte was born in Harlem to a Jamaican mother and a father from the French territory of Martinique. He became a superstar entertainer who introduced a Caribbean flair to mainstream US music.
He gained fame for hits such as "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," selling millions of records throughout his career. He was one of the first Black artists to succeed against the backdrop of segregation.
But he also dedicated much of his time, and money, to pursuing civil rights. He was a close friend to Martin Luther King Jr and his family.
Harry Belafonte: A legend's life in pictures
He became a world star with his version of "The Banana Boat Song" in the 1950s. The "King of Calypso," who died at the age of 96, was not only a gifted entertainer, he was also deeply committed to human rights.
Belafonte was one of the few Black singers who achieved success in the 1950s in the US.
Singer, actor and civil rights campaigner Harry Belafonte died on Tuesday at the age of 96, the US media reported.
He died of congestive heart failure while in his New York home with his wife Pamela by his side, according to his public relations firm.
Belafonte was born in Harlem to a Jamaican mother and a father from the French territory of Martinique. He became a superstar entertainer who introduced a Caribbean flair to mainstream US music.
He gained fame for hits such as "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," selling millions of records throughout his career. He was one of the first Black artists to succeed against the backdrop of segregation.
But he also dedicated much of his time, and money, to pursuing civil rights. He was a close friend to Martin Luther King Jr and his family.
Harry Belafonte: A legend's life in pictures
He became a world star with his version of "The Banana Boat Song" in the 1950s. The "King of Calypso," who died at the age of 96, was not only a gifted entertainer, he was also deeply committed to human rights.
Sounds from the Caribbean
His tunes are known around the world: "The Banana Boat Song" with its cheerful "Day-O," or "Matilda," about a girl who steals money from a young man before disappearing to Venezuela, as well as the Caribbean love song "Island in the Sun." Thanks to these popular songs, entire generations know
Everett Collection/picture alliance
The 'King of Calypso'
In 1956, Belafonte had his breakthrough in pop music with the album "Calypso." Critics accused him of mixing calypso music with jazz and folk elements to create a canned pop sound. But Belafonte just laughed off the bad reviews, inviting his critics to a debate instead: "Anyone who tries to stop me with nonsense about what is or isn't commercial is in for a fight."
As news of Belafonte's death spread, tributes came from all sections of society, from fellow artists, politicians and even prominent CEOs.
Martin Luther King's daughter Bernice wrote on Twitter that the singer was very compassionate towards her family and even paid for babysitting her and her siblings.
US Senator Bernie Sanders said that Belafonte was not only a great entertainer, but also "a courageous leader in the fight against racism and worker oppression."
"Jane and I were privileged to consider him a friend and will miss him very much," Sanders said.
Ex-US President Barack Obama called Belafonte "a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up."
"Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans," Obama added.
American actress Mia Farrow also remembered Belafonte as a beautiful singer and "a brilliant and brave civil rights activist, a deeply moral and caring man."
Meanwhile, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the world has lost a true giant today. "Harry Belafonte was a barrier breaker who helped reshape our world through his civil rights advocacy, his music, and his acting," he wrote on Twitter.
dh, ab/jcg (Reuters, AFP)
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