Legendary American singer and activist Harry Belafontedied on Tuesday (25) a manhattanNew York (USA), op 96 years olds, heart failure victim at home. The information was provided by the artist’s representative.
Belfonte born in harlem In March 1, 1927. Son of a French father, originally from Martinique and a Jamaican mother, she spent much of her childhood in Jamaicabefore returning to New York.
This mix of cultures immediately influenced his music and made him become Pioneer in civil rights struggles in the United States.
One of the highlights of his music career was the success of the album Calypsothe third of his discography, which became the first work in the North American industry to sell more than 1 million copies and conquer the first gold record in the country.
It is on this disc that the classic Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), inspired by a popular Jamaican tune. Although the song was danceable, its content was aimed at the rebellion of workers who wanted justice for the wages paid at the time.
In 1954, Harry Belafonte won the iconic award tonyfor his role in John Murray Anderson’s Almanacwhich was presented on broadwaybecoming the first black person to receive such an honor.
But it was in the 60s that Belfonte he delved into social activism, developing a pioneering role in social equality alongside martin luther king.
“When people think of activism, they always think there is some sacrifice, but I’ve always seen it as a privilege and an opportunity,” he said Belfonte during a speech a memory universityin 2004.
One of the moments when Belfonte discussed the oppression of black South Africans was on the album Paradise in Gazankulusince 1988.
Harry Belafonte attended the historic supergroup reunion United States for Africa in 1985, at the studios of A&M Records In Los Angeleswhen the classic was recorded We are the Worldled by the legendary manufacturer Quincy Jones.
At that time, the royalties from the single turned out $1.9 billiondirected at the victims of famine on the African continent.
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Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
