The world is mourning the death of a giant living legend: singer and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte.
Entertainment :
The man who became famous for “Day-O” (the Banana Boat Song) passed away earlier this week at his home in New York City. However, he leaves behind a legacy of legendary folk music, acting credentials, and civil rights leadership.
Born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, to West Indian immigrant parents, Belafonte nearly single-handedly ignited a craze for Caribbean music with songs like “Matilda,” “Lead Man Holler,” “Scarlet Ribbons,” and, of course, “Day-O,” winning 3 Grammy Awards. He moved on to a movie career and starred in the films “Bright Road” and “Carmen Jones” opposite Dorothy Dandridge. However, he quickly realized his calling was joining Martin Luther King as a force during the 1960s civil rights movement.
Celebrities have taken to social media to laud the life of Harry Belafonte.
“When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways. In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings,” tweeted Bernice King, the youngest child of Coretta and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oprah Winfrey took to Instagram to share photos of herself with Mr. Belafonte alongside a heartfelt caption “Another ‘GREAT TREE’ has fallen.”
Former President Barack Obama took to Twitter on Tuesday and shared a photo with Belafonte from the White House with the message: “Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans.”
Harry Belafonte was 96.
OK WASSUP! discusses Entertainment News:
Harry Belafonte is lovingly remembered.
