HARRY BELAFONTE, the beloved Caribbean singer that topped the charts and helped change the world has died. On Tuesday at his home in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he passed alongside his wife. Forbes reports that according to his publicist Ken Sunshine, Belafonte succumbed to congestive heart failure. He was 96.
Harry Belafonte was more than just a performing artist. The Harlem native began his career singing in clubs. He would go on to become a champion for civil rights. His deep Jamaican roots enabled him to become the ambassador of Jamaica and it’s culture.
A LIFE WELL LIVED
Harry Belafonte was successful in all that he pursued in life. Well renowned for his iconic chant of “Day-O!” from The Banana Boat song, he took calypso music to unbelievable heights. In 1956 he released an album Calypso that would become the first LP from a solo artist to sell a million records.
Upon realizing he had a platform, he would follow in the footsteps of those who came before him. Belafonte became an activist for the Civil Rights Movement. “Out of Many, One People.” This Jamaican motto would become his mantra as up until his death, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Straight Official Magazine offers our prayers and condolences to his family, fans and friends. In his memory, check out this touching tribute to the icon, activist and legend down below.
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