Harry Belafonte, , the 'King of Calypso,' , Dead at 96.
On April 25, legendary
singer, activist and actor , Harry Belafonte , died at the age of 96.
CNN reports that Belafonte's publicist,
Ken Sunshine, said that the 'King of Calypso'
died of congestive heart failure.
His role in the 1954 film adaptation of
'Carmen Jones' made him a movie star. .
His 1956 hit, "The Banana Boat Song
(Day-O)," made him an instant success.
His 1956 hit, "The Banana Boat Song
(Day-O)," made him an instant success.
CNN reports that Belafonte was also
"a key strategist, fundraiser and mediator
for the civil rights movement.".
His participation in the movement
nearly cost him his career and his life.
I’ve often responded to queries that ask,
‘When as an artist did you decide to become
an activist?’ My response to the question is
that I was an activist long before I became
an artist. They both service each other,
but the activism is first, Harry Belafonte, via CNN.
He became a close friend of
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who would often
visit Belafonte's New York apartment.
He became a close friend of
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who would often
visit Belafonte's New York apartment.
He also helped lead a campaign against
apartheid in South Africa, where he became
friends with Nelson Mandela.
He also helped lead a campaign against
apartheid in South Africa, where he became
friends with Nelson Mandela.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,
Belafonte also mobilized support for
the fight against HIV/AIDS.
