Harry Belafonte is a famous Jamaican-American singer, musician, actor, and social campaigner. He became famous in the 1950s and 1960s with hits like “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell.” Belafonte has utilized his musical and cultural celebrity throughout his career to advocate for social justice and racial equality.
Many are interested in Harry Belafonte’s wealth because of his long and successful career. This article will examine the life of this famous musician and discuss the current estimation of his wealth.
Who was Harry Belafonte?
In the 1950s, American singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte helped spread calypso music over the world. The only artist to win all four major awards—the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—is Harry Belafonte, and he did it in a non-competitive category for the Oscar. Calypso (1956), the first million-selling LP by a single artist, was his big break and launched his career.
Harry Belafonte Early Life
Belafonte was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, to Jamaican parents Harold George Bellanfanti Sr. (a chef) and Melvine (née Love), a housekeeper, at Lying-in Hospital in Harlem, New York City.
His father’s birthplace also said to be the French island possession of Martinique in the West Indies, is the subject of some conjecture.
Harry Belafonte Net Worth
At the time of his death, American singer, actor, and social crusader Harry Belafonte was worth $30 million. On April 25, 2023, at the age of 96, Harry Belafonte passed away. Belafonte’s recordings of “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and “Matilda,” among others, helped to establish calypso as a mainstream musical genre.
His album “Calypso” (which featured “Day-O” and “Jamaica Farewell”) topped the Billboard album chart for 31 consecutive weeks in 1956, becoming the first album by a single artist to sell over 1 million copies. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Belafonte was the highest-paid black singer in history thanks to the success of this record, which catapulted him to traveling superstardom.
His acting career spanned many decades, with highlights including lead roles in “Carmen Jones” and “Odds Against Tomorrow” and a standout cameo in “BlacKkKlansman,” directed by Spike Lee and released in 2018.
We also cover the article about his sexuality- was Harry Belafonte gay or Not?
Harry Belafonte Musical Career
Belafonte began his musical career as a club singer in New York to support his acting studies. When he made his public debut, he was accompanied by Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis, among others, in the Charlie Parker ensemble.
Beginning his recording career in 1949 as a pop vocalist for the Roost label, he soon discovered the American folk song collections at the Library of Congress and shifted his focus there. The famed jazz venue The Village Vanguard soon welcomed Belafonte, accompanied by guitarist and friend Millard Thomas.
Harry Belafonte Film Career
Belafonte was in a lot of movies. In Bright Road (1953), starring Dorothy Dandridge, he made his cinematic debut. Later, in 1954, they both featured in Otto Preminger’s smash musical Carmen Jones.
Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge both had their singing voices dubbed by opera singers since they were judged unfit for their respective parts in the film.
Harry Belafonte Business Career
Bonaire, a small island in the Caribbean, was a favorite of Belafonte’s. He partnered with Maurice Neme of Oranjestad, Aruba, to develop a posh gated community in Bonaire.
The neighborhood of Belnem, named for Belafonte and Neme, was established on June 3, 1966. The Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation is in charge of the neighborhood. It was first led by Belafonte and Neme. There were 717 people living in Belnem in 2017.
Harry Belafonte Personal Life
Belafonte was a loving dad and grandpa to his four children. During his marriage to Marguerite Byrd, he had his first two daughters, Adrienne and Shari. Belafonte remarried in 1957 to Julie Robinson, and the couple had children Gina and David.
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After divorcing his second wife in 2004, the “Jump in the Line” singer wed Pamela Frank in 2008. They stayed together till Belafonte’s passing.
Conclusion
Harry Belafonte is a famous Jamaican-American singer, musician, actor, and social campaigner who became famous in the 1950s and 1960s with hits like “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jamaica Farewell”.
Belafonte established calypso as a mainstream musical genre and was the highest-paid black singer in history. He also had a successful acting career, including lead roles in “Carmen Jones” and “BlacKkKlansman”.
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