The world of music and entertainment has lost a great icon with the passing of Harry Belafonte.
His publicist Ken Sunshine shared a statement to publications this morning to announce that the civil rights icon died Tuesday from congestive heart failure. He was pronounced deceased at his home in the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Tuesday. He was 96 years old.
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Belafonte was an American singer, songwriter, actor, and social activist who was best known for his calypso music. He was also a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and used his platform to advocate for racial justice. He was also a dear confidant of Martin Luther King, Jr., who applauded him for his “courage and moral integrity.”
Thanks to the groundbreaking success of his 1956 hit, “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” Belafonte was dubbed the “King of Calypso.” The three-time Grammy Award-winner also became a movie star after acting in the film adaption of the Broadway musical, “Carmen Jones. Belafonte was the first African-American to win an Emmy Award for his television special Tonight with Harry Belafonte in 1960.
With his memorable music and activism which has spanned over six decades with his powerful voice on social justice, he will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in American history.
Remembering the Jamaican-born native who left a great mark on everyone, fans and celebrities have begun pouring in tributes online. Fellow Civil Rights activist Rev.
Al Sharpton remembered Belafonte as “a true mentor and friend He said in a statement shared with Rolling Stone, “I am heartbroken to hear of his death but inspired by the long, fruitful life he led. He realized his platform gave him the ability to affect change.
“He used it to advance the civil rights movement and get others in his position off the sidelines. I cherished the time he would give me and others to both guide and correct us. He was a culture-changing entertainer, a history-changing activist, and an unmatchable intellectual.”
In a tweet, singer John Legend shared how grateful he was to have worked with Belafonte. “I loved Mr Belafonte and I’m so grateful for his revolutionary work and his massive influence on our nation and the world. I found out that he passed just before this interview. He worked so hard and did so much. May he get his well-deserved rest.”
Talk show host Loni Love also tweeted, “Mr. #HarryBelafonte is gone from this earth. His acting, words, music, and his tireless work for the civil rights of Black people in America and abroad will continue to work for all of us. To his family thank you for sharing this wonderful man.. @ShariBelafonte1 Rest in power.”
Comedian Tiffany Haddish shared a picture of her, ex-boyfriend Common and Belafonte along with the caption that read, “Rest in peace, King Harry Belafonte. I am so
honored and Grateful that I got to sit at your feet and learn from you.”
Harry Belafonte will be deeply missed.