Today, we mourn the passing of Harry Belafonte, who peacefully left this world in his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the age of 96. As we reflect on his life, we remember him not only as a highly successful actor and singer during the 1950s but also as a passionate advocate and activist for civil rights in the United States. He stormed the pop charts in the 1950s, challenging the racial barriers within segregation and the rise of civil rights movement. Black faces were still a rarity on screens large and small, and he was not the first Black entertainer to transcend racial boundaries. His legacy endures, and he is often regarded as the counterpart to his contemporary, Sidney Poitier.
Belafonte made his early foray into the world of entertainment at the American Negro Theater in Manhattan, initially working as a stagehand. It was during this period that he struck up a lifelong friendship with fellow aspiring actor Sidney Poitier. However, he encountered a significant hurdle: the limited availability of roles that were not stereotypical "Uncle Tom" portrayals, which hindered his progress as an actor. It was his discovery of a latent talent for singing, initially more of a hobby than a career pursuit, that ultimately found him an enthusiastic audience. In early 1949, an opportunity presented itself: he was invited to perform during intermissions at the Royal Roost, a popular jazz nightclub in Midtown Manhattan. These performances proved an immediate hit, with what was intended as a two-week engagement extending to five months due to his growing popularity with the audience.
Born in Harlem to West Indian immigrants, Belafonte's breakthrough came with his debut album, "Calypso," released in 1956, featuring iconic tracks like "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and "Jamaica Farewell." The album rapidly climbed to the top of the Billboard chart, where it remained for an astounding 31 weeks. In fact, it is believed to be the first album by a single artist to sell more than a million copies. His charismatic and charming stage presence, coupled with a repertoire that drew from folk traditions around the world, captivated audiences. By 1959, he was the highest-paid performer in history, securing lucrative contracts for appearances in prestigious venues like Las Vegas, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, and the Palace in New York. Notably, his special "Tonight With Belafonte" earned an Emmy in 1960, marking a first for a Black performer.
Belafonte's success on stage opened doors to opportunities in the silver screen, where he made history as a trailblazer for Black artists in Hollywood. Before him, the film industry was predominantly segregated and rife with racial discrimination, affording few chances to Black actors. Many were typecast into stereotypical, often derogatory roles like servants, comic relief, or villains. Some even fell victim to the degrading practice of Blackface, where white actors used makeup to mimic Black appearances, perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes and failing to depict the diverse experiences of Black individuals.
Although Belafonte's movie stardom was relatively short-lived, it was impactful. However, he pivoted towards focusing on the civil rights movement, aligning himself with the efforts of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for racial equality. He contributed seed money to establish the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and became one of the main fundraisers for both that organization and Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He provided financial support to bail Dr. King and other civil rights activists out of jail and actively participated in the historic March on Washington in 1963. His advocacy extended to Dr. King's family as well.
Belafonte's dedication to civil rights was also evident in his Hollywood career. He believed that Hollywood was disinterested in producing socially conscious films, despite his strong passion for such projects. On the other hand, he was reluctant to accept acting roles offered by Hollywood, as they often clashed with his personal values and ambitions. Despite these challenges, Belafonte became a well-known and influential figure, especially in the realm of television. He made appearances on television and became a recognizable personality in the medium. These television appearances occasionally ignited controversy, reflecting his willingness to tackle issues that provoked public debate and discussion.
Notably, Belafonte's career faced numerous challenges. Paradoxically, most of his fanbase consisted of white individuals, even though his music drew from the Black culture of American Negroes, Africa, and the West Indies. In the racially tense environment of the American South, his films featuring interracial relationships often faced significant opposition, and theaters screening them could incur fines. His personal experiences in the South included being twice refused service at the same restaurants during a 1962 benefit concert for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Atlanta. His television appearances with white female singers, Petula Clark in 1968 and Julie Andrews in 1969, also stirred controversy. On the other hand, some members of the Black community criticized Belafonte for the lightness of his skin (with white ancestry on both sides), his divorce in 1957, and his subsequent marriage to Julie Robinson. Even when RCA Victor, his record company, promoted him as the "King of Calypso," some in Trinidad, the birthplace of calypso music, accused him of assuming this title without winning the annual "calypso king" competition.
Belafonte continued to give concerts during the years when he was away from the screen. However, he primarily focused on political activism and charitable work, appearing onscreen only sporadically, much like his songs. His pride in his achievements was palpable, but he remained far from complacent. In his own words, "About my own life, I have no complaints.", he adds “Yet the problems faced by most Americans of color seem as dire and entrenched as they were half a century ago.”
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