Who Is Harry Belafonte? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Harry Belafonte, born on March 1, 1927, is celebrated as an American singer, actor, and activist. Renowned for his contributions to music and film, he is often referred to as the "King of Calypso" for popularizing this Caribbean musical genre beyond its native shores. Belafonte's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and society at large until his passing in April 2023. His legacy continues to influence artists and activists globally.
| Occupation | Civil Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 1, 1927 |
| Age | 96 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 25 April, 2023 |
| Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Harry Belafonte's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Belafonte stood tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and maintained a healthy weight throughout his life, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness. While specific body measurements may vary over the years, he was known for his charismatic presence both on screen and stage.
Dissatisfied with most of the film roles offered to him during the 1960s, Belafonte concentrated on music. In the early 1970s, Belafonte appeared in more films, among which are two with Poitier: Buck and the Preacher (1972) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974).
In 1984, Belafonte produced and scored the musical film Beat Street, dealing with the rise of hip-hop culture. Together with Arthur Baker, he produced the gold-certified soundtrack of the same name. Four of his songs appeared in the 1988 film Beetlejuice, including "Day-O" and "Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Harry Belafonte was married three times. His first marriage was to Marguerite Byrd from 1948 to 1957, followed by a marriage to Julie Robinson (1957–2004). He had four children—two with each wife. After his second marriage, he had several high-profile relationships but remained committed to personal connections rather than remarriage. His relationships often reflected his compassionate and caring nature.
on March 1, 1927, at Lying-in Hospital in Harlem, New York City, the son of Jamaican-born parents Harold George Bellanfanti Sr. (1900–1990), who worked as a chef, and Melvine Love (1906–1988), a housekeeper. There are disputed claims of his father's place of birth, which is also stated as Martinique.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2023, Harry Belafonte’s net worth was estimated to be around $28 million. His wealth stemmed from his successful music career, acting roles in film and television, and several philanthropic endeavors. His earnings also included income from various business ventures and investments in social causes, enhancing his legacy beyond just financial figures.
Belafonte started his career in music as a club singer in New York to pay for his acting classes. The first time he appeared in front of an audience, he was backed by the Charlie Parker band, which included Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis, among others.
He launched his recording career as a pop singer on the Roost label in 1949, but quickly developed a keen interest in folk music, learning material through the Library of Congress' American folk songs archives. Along with guitarist and friend Millard Thomas, Belafonte soon made his debut at the jazz club The Village Vanguard.
In 1953, he signed a contract with RCA Victor, recording exclusively for the label until 1974. Belafonte also performed during the Rat Pack era in Las Vegas. Belafonte's first widely released single, which went on to become his "signature" audience participation song in virtually all his live performances, was "Matilda", recorded April 27, 1953.
Between 1953 and 1954, he was a cast member of the Broadway musical revue and sketch comedy show John Murray Anderson's Almanac where he sang "Mark Twain", of which he was also the songwriter.
Career, Business and Investments
Harry Belafonte's career began in the 1940s, and he became a household name with hits like "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and "Jamaica Farewell." He not only captivated audiences with his music but also made significant strides as an actor, starring in films such as "Carmen Jones" and "Island in the Sun."
Apart from his artistic endeavors, Belafonte was a noted activist, engaging deeply with civil rights movements and philanthropy, and he founded several organizations aimed at social justice. His business acumen extended to various investments, including arts education and community-building initiatives.
Harry Belafonte (born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr.; March 1, 1927 – April 25, 2023) was an American singer, actor, and civil rights activist who popularized calypso music with international audiences in the 1950s and 1960s. Belafonte's career breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.
Social Network
Even in 2025, Harry Belafonte's influence can be seen on social media platforms where tributes to his legacy continue to circulate. His official accounts and various fan pages celebrate his life, music, and activism. While Harry was known to be somewhat private about his personal life on social media during his lifetime, the conversations around his impact and contributions remain robust and vibrant across platforms.
A short time after the confrontation, Belafonte spoke with Kennedy. Belafonte then told him that even with the meeting's tension, he needed to be in the presence of a man like Smith to understand Black people's frustration with patriotism that Kennedy and other leaders could not understand.
Education
Harry Belafonte attended the George Washington High School before serving in the U.S. Navy. He later pursued acting at the Erwin Piscator Studio and studied at the New School for Social Research in New York City. His education played a significant role in shaping his artistic talents and his commitment to activism, influencing his approach to both music and film.
From 1932 to 1940, Belafonte lived with one of his grandmothers in her native country of Jamaica, where he attended Wolmer's Schools. Upon returning to New York City, he had a brief, unsuccessful stay at George Washington High School. It was later reported that undiagnosed dyslexia and blindness in one eye contributed to his academic difficulties.
After dropping out of high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. In the 1940s, he worked as a janitor's assistant, during which a tenant gave him, as a gratuity, two tickets to see the American Negro Theater. He fell in love with the art form and befriended Sidney Poitier, who was also financially struggling.
They regularly purchased a single seat to local plays, trading places in between acts, after informing the other about the progression of the play.
