Harry Belafonte dies at 96
 

[Singer, actor and civil rights activist
Harry Belafonte dies at 96]


https://news.sky.com/story/singer-ac...at-96-12866153


He will be missed

[The Grammy, Emmy and Tony
winning star died of congestive heart
failure at his New York home on Tuesday,
with his wife by his side,
according to a spokesperson.]




[Known for his signature song
Banana Boat (Day-O),
he was largely responsible for bringing
Calypso music to an international audience
in the 1950s, and the first singer,
in any genre, to sell a million records in a year.

One of the first black performers to gain
a wide following on film, he starred in movies
including Carmen Jones, Island in the Sun
and Odds Against Tomorrow.

Just last year, he was inducted into
the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame,
becoming the oldest person ever
to receive the honour.

Alongside his sparkling Hollywood career,
he was a committed activist,
working closely with Martin Luther King Jr
during the Civil Rights Movement
of the 1950s and 1960s.]

Awww R.I.P.

96 is a good age though.

Sad news
My Grandmother had his records and I really like his voice.

He also was an amazingly strong campaigner.
A good long life but still sad to learn of his passing.
R.I.P.

RIP

RIP.

His song 'Jump in the Line' used at the end of the film Beetlejuice.

RIP legend

My favourite female singer Petula Clark had Harry on her 1968 show in the States.
They sang a song she co wrote 'On The Path Of Glory'.

It caused ridiculous controversy because at the ending of the song she put her hand on his arm.
It wasn't considered appropriate for a white lady to touch the arm of a black man.

Really shocking it should be deemed inappropriate that when you think about it

Her husband who was her manager, and with her lawyer however got it broadcast as it was with her hand on his arm.

The company had them record it again with them standing further apart but Petula, her husband and lawyer got those other recordings deleted.
So that only the one where she touched his arm was left.

Harry Belafonte was a strong and formidable campaigner for rights.
As well as making many really good and strong recordings too.
A really good presence in the World.
R.IP.