Harry Belafonte was a highly influential American singer, actor, and activist. He played a pivotal role in popularizing calypso music globally during the 1950s and 1960s. His 1956 album "Calypso" achieved groundbreaking success, becoming the first LP by a solo artist to sell over a million copies. Beyond music, Belafonte was deeply involved in the civil rights movement.
1900: Birth of Harry Belafonte's Father
Harry Belafonte's father, Harold George Bellanfanti Sr., was born in 1900.
1906: Birth of Harry Belafonte's Mother
Harry Belafonte's mother, Melvine Love, was born in 1906.
March 1, 1927: Birth of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte was born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York.
1932: Move to Jamaica
Harry Belafonte moved to Jamaica to live with his grandmother in 1932.
1940: Return to New York City
Harry Belafonte returned to New York City in 1940 after living with his grandmother in Jamaica.
1948: Married Marguerite Byrd
Belafonte married Marguerite Byrd in 1948.
1949: Start of Recording Career
Harry Belafonte began his recording career as a pop singer on the Roost label in 1949.
April 27, 1953: Recording of "Matilda"
On April 27, 1953, Harry Belafonte recorded his first widely released single, "Matilda."
1953: Moved to East Elmhurst, Queens
Belafonte's financial success in 1953 allowed him to relocate from Washington Heights in Manhattan to a predominantly white neighborhood in East Elmhurst, Queens.
1953: Film Debut in Bright Road
In 1953, Harry Belafonte made his film debut in Bright Road, supporting female lead Dorothy Dandridge.
1954: Refusal to Perform in the American South
From 1954 until 1961, Harry Belafonte refused to perform in the American South, opposing racial prejudice and aligning with the views of his mentor, Paul Robeson.
1954: Success of "Carmen Jones"
Harry Belafonte experienced success with the film "Carmen Jones" in 1954.
1954: Film Debut in "Carmen Jones"
Harry Belafonte made his film debut in the movie "Carmen Jones" in 1954.
1954: Tony Award for "John Murray Anderson's Almanac"
Harry Belafonte received a Tony Award in 1954 for his performance in the Broadway revue "John Murray Anderson's Almanac."
1954: Performance in "John Murray Anderson's Almanac"
Harry Belafonte was part of the cast of the Broadway musical revue and sketch comedy show "John Murray Anderson's Almanac" in 1954.
1954: Starred in Carmen Jones
In 1954, Harry Belafonte starred in Otto Preminger's hit musical Carmen Jones alongside Dorothy Dandridge. Ironically, both of their singing voices were dubbed by opera singers.
1955: Belafonte's pivotal meeting with Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1955, Harry Belafonte's life took a significant turn when he crossed paths with Martin Luther King Jr., who was facing arrest for his involvement in the Montgomery bus boycott. This encounter marked the beginning of a long-lasting friendship and a shared dedication to fighting for civil rights.
1955: Performance in "3 for Tonight"
In 1955, Harry Belafonte starred in the Broadway revue "3 for Tonight" with Gower Champion.
1955: Release of "Mama Look at Bubu"
Harry Belafonte released the comedic song "Mama Look at Bubu," originally recorded by Lord Melody, in 1955, which became his second most popular hit.
1956: Release of "Banana Boat Song"
Belafonte released his hit song "Banana Boat Song" in 1956.
1956: Release of "Calypso" Album
Harry Belafonte released his album "Calypso" in 1956, which achieved significant commercial success and introduced American audiences to calypso music.
1956: Release of "Calypso" Album
In 1956, Harry Belafonte released his breakthrough album "Calypso," which became the first LP to sell over a million copies in a year.
March 8, 1957: Married Julie Robinson
On March 8, 1957, Belafonte wed Julie Robinson, who was a former dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company.
March 1957: Release of "Banana Boat Song" in the UK
Harry Belafonte's "Banana Boat Song" was released in the United Kingdom in March 1957 and achieved chart success.
1957: Appearance in "Island in the Sun"
Harry Belafonte appeared in the film "Island in the Sun" in 1957.
1957: Starred in Island in the Sun
In 1957, Harry Belafonte starred in Island in the Sun, a film that hinted at an affair between his character and the character played by Joan Fontaine.
1957: Divorced Marguerite Byrd
Belafonte and his first wife, Marguerite Byrd, divorced in 1957.
1958: Overcoming Housing Discrimination
In 1958, Belafonte faced housing discrimination when an apartment owner tried to evict him after realizing he was black. He fought back by buying the entire building and turning it into a co-op, offering apartments to his friends of all races.
1958: Belafonte joins the Washington D.C. Youth March
In 1958, Harry Belafonte stood in solidarity with Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King during the Washington D.C. Youth March for Integrated Schools, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the civil rights movement.
1959: "Tonight With Belafonte" Television Special
Harry Belafonte starred in the nationally televised special "Tonight With Belafonte" in 1959, featuring a performance by Odetta.
1959: Starred in and Produced Odds Against Tomorrow
In 1959, Harry Belafonte starred in and produced Robert Wise's film Odds Against Tomorrow, playing a bank robber teamed with a racist partner.
1959: Role in "Odds Against Tomorrow"
In 1959, Harry Belafonte starred in the film "Odds Against Tomorrow."
1959: Belafonte's indirect connection to Barack Obama Sr.
In 1959, Harry Belafonte's support for the African American Students Foundation inadvertently played a role in Barack Obama Sr.'s educational journey. The foundation awarded a grant to Obama Sr., enabling him to pursue studies at the University of Hawaii.
June 1960: Belafonte encourages Kennedy to connect with Martin Luther King Jr.
In June 1960, Harry Belafonte played a pivotal role in urging John F. Kennedy to connect with Martin Luther King Jr. to garner support within the Black community. Belafonte's advocacy for civil rights and his relationship with King led to a significant meeting between Kennedy and King, shaping the dynamics of the presidential campaign.
1960: Belafonte becomes Kennedy's pick for Black endorsement
In the 1960 presidential election, following his historic Emmy Award win, Harry Belafonte became a key figure when John F. Kennedy sought his endorsement to counter Jackie Robinson's support for Richard Nixon. Belafonte's influence within the Black community made him a crucial asset to Kennedy's campaign.
1960: Grammy Award for "Swing Dat Hammer"
Harry Belafonte won a Grammy Award for his album "Swing Dat Hammer" in 1960.
1960: Belafonte's support for John F. Kennedy's campaign
In 1960, Harry Belafonte actively supported John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign, appearing in a campaign commercial and performing at Kennedy's inaugural ball. His involvement highlighted his belief in Kennedy's vision for America.
1960: Emmy Award for "Revlon Revue"
In 1960, Belafonte won an Emmy Award for his performance on the television program "Revlon Revue."
1960: Live Albums at Carnegie Hall
Harry Belafonte recorded two live albums at Carnegie Hall in 1959 and 1960, both of which were critically and commercially successful.
1961: Performance at President Kennedy's Inaugural Gala
Harry Belafonte was among the entertainers who performed at President John F. Kennedy's inaugural gala in 1961.
1961: Belafonte's support for the Freedom Rides
In 1961, Harry Belafonte actively participated in the Freedom Rides, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to fighting for racial equality.
1961: End of Refusal to Perform in the South
In 1961, Harry Belafonte ended his refusal to perform in the American South, a stance he had maintained since 1954 in opposition to racial prejudice.
1962: Release of "Midnight Special" Album
Harry Belafonte released the album "Midnight Special" in 1962, which featured Bob Dylan as a harmonica player.
May 24, 1963: Belafonte attends the Baldwin-Kennedy Meeting
On May 24, 1963, Harry Belafonte participated in the historic Baldwin-Kennedy Meeting, joining James Baldwin, Robert Kennedy, and other influential figures to address the persistent issue of racial inequality in America.
1963: Belafonte's instrumental role in the March on Washington
In 1963, Harry Belafonte played a pivotal role in organizing the historic March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Belafonte's support extended to providing financial assistance to King's family and bailing him out of a Birmingham jail during the Birmingham campaign.
1964: Belafonte endorses Lyndon B. Johnson
Following John F. Kennedy's assassination, Harry Belafonte shifted his support to Lyndon B. Johnson during the 1964 United States presidential election, continuing his engagement in the political landscape.
1964: Release of "Belafonte at The Greek Theatre" Album
Harry Belafonte's album "Belafonte at The Greek Theatre" was released in 1964 and was his last album to appear in the Billboard Top 40.
1964: Belafonte's support for Mississippi Freedom Summer
In 1964, Harry Belafonte showed his unwavering support for the Mississippi Freedom Summer by providing financial backing to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, traveling to Mississippi with Sidney Poitier, and using his platform to entertain and uplift crowds in Greenwood.
1965: Grammy Award for "An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba"
In 1965, Harry Belafonte received a Grammy Award for the album "An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba," which addressed the political situation of black South Africans under apartheid.
June 3, 1966: Began Construction on Belnem Community in Bonaire
Construction commenced on June 3, 1966, on the Belnem community, a luxurious private development on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. The project was a joint venture between Belafonte and Maurice Neme.
1967: Release of "A Strange Song"
Harry Belafonte released his last hit single, "A Strange Song," in 1967.
1967: First Non-Classical Artist to Perform at SPAC
In 1967, Harry Belafonte became the first non-classical artist to perform at the prestigious Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Upstate New York, marking a milestone in his career.
September 29, 1968: Belafonte's performance censored on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour"
On September 29, 1968, Harry Belafonte's appearance on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was met with censorship when CBS deleted a segment featuring a controversial Mardi Gras number intertwined with footage from the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots.
1968: Guest Hosting The Tonight Show
From February 5 to 9, 1968, Harry Belafonte guest hosted The Tonight Show, substituting for Johnny Carson. His notable interview guests included Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
1968: Belafonte's controversial TV appearance with Petula Clark
In 1968, Harry Belafonte's appearance on a Petula Clark primetime television special sparked controversy when he was briefly touched by Clark during a duet. The incident, deemed inappropriate by the show's sponsor, sparked debate and highlighted the prevailing racial tensions of the time.
1971: Release of Calypso Carnival
In 1971, Harry Belafonte released his fifth and final calypso album, Calypso Carnival, marking a significant point in his recording career.
1972: Performance in "Buck and the Preacher"
Harry Belafonte starred in "Buck and the Preacher" in 1972.
1972: Film Buck and the Preacher
In 1972, Harry Belafonte appeared in the film Buck and the Preacher alongside Sidney Poitier.
1974: Appearance in "Uptown Saturday Night"
Harry Belafonte appeared in the film "Uptown Saturday Night" in 1974.
1974: End of Contract with RCA Victor
Harry Belafonte's contract with RCA Victor ended in 1974.
1974: Final Album for RCA
In 1974, Harry Belafonte released his final album for RCA, after which his recording activity slowed down significantly.
1974: Film Uptown Saturday Night
In 1974, Harry Belafonte starred in the film Uptown Saturday Night, reuniting with Sidney Poitier.
1977: Release of Turn the World Around
In 1977, Columbia Records released Harry Belafonte's album Turn the World Around, which focused strongly on world music.
1978: Guest Starred on The Muppet Show
In 1978, Harry Belafonte appeared as a guest star on The Muppet Show, performing his signature song "Day-O" and the spiritual song "Turn the World Around," which became one of the series' most famous performances.
1979: Joined Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Board
From 1979, Harry Belafonte served on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's board of directors, contributing to the world of ballet.
1984: Produced Beat Street
In 1984, Harry Belafonte produced and scored the musical film Beat Street, focusing on the rise of hip-hop culture.
1985: Organized "We Are the World" and Performed at Live Aid
In 1985, Belafonte helped organize the Grammy Award-winning song "We Are the World," a collaborative effort of multiple artists to raise funds for Africa. He also performed in the Live Aid concert that same year.
1987: Belafonte becomes UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
In 1987, Harry Belafonte's dedication to humanitarian causes led him to become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a role he held until his passing, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and advocacy for children worldwide.
1987: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
In 1987, Harry Belafonte was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.
1987: Master of Ceremonies at Reception Honoring Oliver Tambo
Belafonte served as the master of ceremonies at a 1987 reception in New York City to honor Oliver Tambo, the president of the African National Congress.
1988: Music in Beetlejuice
In 1988, Harry Belafonte's songs, including "Day-O" and "Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)", were featured in the film Beetlejuice.
1988: Death of Harry Belafonte's Mother
Harry Belafonte's mother, Melvine Love, passed away in 1988.
1988: Release of Paradise in Gazankulu and UNICEF Concert
In 1988, Harry Belafonte released his first album of original material in over a decade, Paradise in Gazankulu, which contained protest songs against Apartheid. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he also attended a symposium in Harare, Zimbabwe, and performed a concert for UNICEF.
1989: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
Belafonte received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 1989.
1989: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
Harry Belafonte received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1989.
1989: End of Tenure at Royal Winnipeg Ballet
In 1989, Harry Belafonte concluded his decade-long service on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's board of directors.
1989: Kennedy Center Honors
In 1989, Harry Belafonte received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his contributions to American culture.
May 1990: Performed at Jim Henson's Memorial Service
In May 1990, after Jim Henson's death, Harry Belafonte performed the song "Turn the World Around" at Henson's memorial service, a song that was a favorite of Henson's.
1990: Death of Harry Belafonte's Father
Harry Belafonte's father, Harold George Bellanfanti Sr., passed away in 1990.
1993: Uncensored footage of Belafonte's performance aired
In 1993, the uncensored footage of Harry Belafonte's controversial performance on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" was finally broadcasted as part of a complete syndication package, offering a glimpse into the censored history of television.
1994: Mission to Rwanda and Media Campaign for Rwandan Children
Belafonte embarked on a mission to Rwanda in 1994, launching a media campaign to raise awareness about the needs of Rwandan children.
1994: National Medal of Arts Recipient
He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994.
1994: National Medal of Arts
In 1994, Harry Belafonte was awarded the National Medal of Arts, a significant recognition of his artistic achievements.
1994: National Medal of Arts Awardee
In 1994, Harry Belafonte was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
1995: Film White Man's Burden
In 1995, Harry Belafonte starred in the race-reverse drama White Man's Burden alongside John Travolta.
1996: Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
In 1996, Harry Belafonte was diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he received successful treatment.
1996: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Belafonte was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 and underwent treatment.
1996: Film Kansas City
In 1996, Harry Belafonte starred in Robert Altman's jazz age drama Kansas City, earning him the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1997: Release of An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends
In 1997, Harry Belafonte released An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends, a soundtrack and video of a televised concert.
October 1998: Contribution to Liv Ullmann's Book
In October 1998, Belafonte contributed a letter to "Letter to My Grandchild," a book by Liv Ullmann.
1999: TV Drama Swing Vote
In 1999, Harry Belafonte starred as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in the TV drama Swing Vote.
1999: Meeting with Fidel Castro and Cuban Rap Community
In 1999, just before meeting with Fidel Castro, Harry Belafonte met with representatives of the Cuban rap community. This meeting led to Castro's personal approval and the Cuban government's support for incorporating rap into their culture.
2000: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2000, Harry Belafonte received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring impact on the music industry.
2001: Visited South Africa to Support HIV/AIDS Campaign
Harry Belafonte visited South Africa in 2001 to show his support for the campaign against HIV/AIDS.
October 10, 2002: Made Controversial Comments Referencing Malcolm X
Belafonte sparked controversy on October 10, 2002, during an interview with Ted Leitner for San Diego's 760 KFMB. He made remarks referencing Malcolm X that some found inflammatory.
2002: Received Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award
Belafonte was honored with the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award in 2002 by Africare for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
2003: Reflected on Meeting with Castro and Impact on Cuban Hip-Hop
During an interview in 2003, Belafonte reflected on the impact his 1999 meeting with Castro and Cuban rap representatives had on gaining acceptance for hip-hop in Cuba.
2004: Received Domestic Human Rights Award
In 2004, Harry Belafonte was granted the Domestic Human Rights Award by Global Exchange in San Francisco.
2004: Advocated for Education in Kenya
In 2004, Belafonte traveled to Kenya, emphasizing the crucial importance of providing education to children in the region.
2004: Stroke and Health Challenges
In 2004, Belafonte suffered a stroke that affected his inner-ear balance.
2004: Divorced Julie Robinson
After 47 years of marriage, Belafonte and his second wife, Julie Robinson, divorced in 2004.
2005: Inclusion in Unitarian Universalist Hymnal
In 2005, Harry Belafonte's song "Turn the World Around" was included in the official hymnal supplement of the Unitarian Universalist Association, Singing the Journey.
2005: Supported Hugo Chávez's Initiative to Provide Heating Oil
When Hugo Chávez started a program in 2005 to provide affordable heating oil to low-income communities in the United States, Harry Belafonte voiced his support for the initiative.
January 2006: Made Controversial Statements about Bush Administration and Homeland Security
Belafonte made several controversial remarks in January 2006. He referred to the Bush administration's policies as "morally bankrupt" and criticized the Department of Homeland Security, drawing comparisons to the Gestapo. Despite facing backlash, Belafonte defended his right to dissent.
January 2006: Led Delegation to Meet Hugo Chávez and Made Controversial Remarks
In January 2006, Harry Belafonte headed a delegation of activists, including actor Danny Glover and activist/professor Cornel West, to meet with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. During this meeting, Belafonte made controversial statements supporting Chávez and criticizing President George W. Bush. These remarks sparked backlash and criticism from various figures and organizations, including AARP.
June 27, 2006: Received BET Humanitarian Award
Harry Belafonte was honored with the BET Humanitarian Award at the 2006 BET Awards on June 27, 2006.
2006: Film Bobby
In 2006, Harry Belafonte appeared in Bobby, Emilio Estevez's ensemble drama about the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, playing a friend of an employee of the Ambassador Hotel.
2006: Compared U.S. Government to 9/11 Hijackers and Criticized Iraq War
In 2006, during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day speech at Duke University, Belafonte drew a parallel between the U.S. government and the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks, questioning the difference between them. He also heavily criticized the Iraq War and President Bush, sparking further controversy.
October 19, 2007: Represented UNICEF for Norwegian Telethon
On October 19, 2007, Harry Belafonte represented UNICEF on Norwegian television in support of their annual telethon, TV Aksjonen. This effort helped raise a world record of $10 per Norwegian citizen.
December 2007: Belafonte receives the Chief Justice Earl Warren Civil Liberties Award
In December 2007, Harry Belafonte was honored with the Chief Justice Earl Warren Civil Liberties Award for his lifelong commitment to social justice and his impactful keynote address at the ACLU of Northern California's annual Bill of Rights Day Celebration.
2007: Retirement from Performing
In a 2007 interview, Harry Belafonte announced his retirement from performing, marking the end of an era.
April 2008: Marriage to Pamela Frank
In April 2008, Belafonte married Pamela Frank, a photographer.
2011: Belafonte's commentary on the Obama administration
In 2011, Harry Belafonte shared his perspective on the Obama administration, expressing his belief that public opinion influenced the administration's policies and approach to addressing poverty.
2011: Release of "Sing Your Song" documentary and Belafonte's memoir
The year 2011 marked the release of "Sing Your Song," a documentary film highlighting Harry Belafonte's contributions to the civil rights movement and his global advocacy for social justice. Additionally, his memoir, "My Song," was published by Knopf Books in the same year.
December 9, 2012: Belafonte expresses disappointment with political opposition to Obama
On December 9, 2012, Harry Belafonte voiced his disappointment over the persistent political opposition faced by Barack Obama, even after his reelection, during an interview with Al Sharpton on MSNBC.
January 29, 2013: Keynote Speaker at MLK Celebration
On January 29, 2013, Harry Belafonte was the keynote speaker and 2013 honoree for the MLK Celebration Series at the Rhode Island School of Design, where he spoke about the role of artists as activists.
February 1, 2013: Belafonte receives the NAACP's Spingarn Medal
On February 1, 2013, Harry Belafonte was honored with the NAACP's prestigious Spingarn Medal, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the advancement of social justice and equality.
2013: Grand Marshal of New York City Pride Parade
In 2013, Harry Belafonte was named a grand marshal of the New York City Pride Parade, alongside Edie Windsor and Earl Fowlkes.
January 11, 2014: Honorary Member of Phi Beta Sigma
On January 11, 2014, Harry Belafonte was inducted as an honorary member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, recognizing his achievements and contributions.
2014: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Belafonte received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 6th Annual Governors Awards in 2014. This award solidified his EGOT status, having already won a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony.
2014: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award Recipient
Harry Belafonte was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards in 2014.
2016: Belafonte endorses Bernie Sanders
In 2016, Harry Belafonte publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primaries, expressing his admiration for Sanders' integrity, commitment to social justice, and progressive vision.
January 21, 2017: Honorary Co-Chairman of the Women's March on Washington
On January 21, 2017, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, Harry Belafonte served as an honorary co-chairman for the Women's March on Washington.
2017: Release of When Colors Come Together
In 2017, Harry Belafonte released When Colors Come Together, an anthology of his earlier recordings, produced by his son David and featuring his grandchildren and a children's choir.
2017: Belnem Community Reaches 717 Residents
By 2017, the Belnem community, co-founded by Belafonte, had grown to house 717 residents.
2018: Final Film Appearance in "BlacKkKlansman"
In 2018, Harry Belafonte made his final film appearance in Spike Lee's "BlacKkKlansman."
2018: Final Film Appearance in BlacKkKlansman
In 2018, Harry Belafonte made his final film appearance in Spike Lee's Academy Award-winning BlacKkKlansman, playing an elderly civil rights pioneer.
2019: Declining Health
Belafonte's health began to decline in 2019, but he continued to be an advocate for civil rights.
March 1, 2020: 93rd Birthday Celebration and Archive Acquisition
Belafonte celebrated his 93rd birthday on March 1, 2020, at Harlem's Apollo Theater. The New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture also announced the acquisition of his personal archive.
2022: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Belafonte was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category in 2022.
2022: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2022, Harry Belafonte was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category.
April 25, 2023: Death of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte passed away on April 25, 2023.