My parents (stepfather) and mom had his albums. I grew up listening to him. I'm 64 now and still hear his songs in my head!!! Jamaica Farewell. We sailed in the Caribbean--open seas because my step dad was a sailor. He was in the Navy and built boats.
Thanks, Dan, for this remembrance - as a "folkie" in the '50s and '60s I was thrilled to hear someone who was both honest and sophisticated in his style - not commercial as many groups were then, but more polished than the "roots" singers of that time. He left a beautiful legacy both as a musician and a fine human being.
Thank you for this fitting post honoring the life, music, and contributions of Harry Belafonte, a giant in the music industry and in the ongoing Civil Rights Movement. The comments posted by the Steady community are beautiful tributes as well. I learned so much more than I knew about Mr Belafonte. He was a true blessing to the world.
It’s hard to be sad when I heard of the passing of Mr. Belafonte. He loved a bold and beautiful life. His legacy of generosity, fearlessness, immense talent, and tenacity will never be forgotten. Beloved by everyone, admired by masses. He supported the Civil Rights movement and was a friend to MLK. He broke barriers and blazed trails. He loves his family and his fellow man. Rest well kind sir. We love you!
The first album I had as a boy was by Harry Belafonte. I must have played it on the little phonograph a thousand times, especially “Jamaica Farewell”. Only much later I learned that he was an activist in Civil Rights. What a deep rich and meaningful life Mr. Belafonte lived. What an example for us all.
Thank you for this tribute to Harry Belafonte. He & Petula Clark sang On the Path to Glory, which she wrote. Check out the performance on YouTube. It is important to watch the clip of Petula explaining the controversy over this take, with her holding on to Harry’s arm. The fight for equality & an end to racism is ever present.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr Belafonte after a concert. He was gracious,warm and charming. I had always admired him but after meeting him in person I realized how very special he truly was. Thank you for writing about Mr Belafonte.
I grew up listening to him and watching him on television. He was a remarkable human who was not only accomplished but helped so many. Through his lifetime he was also a friend of the Jewish people and had a great love of Israel. He did so much to bring all different people together.
He will be remembered by many around the world for all he did to break barriers and create a more just and free world. Your legacy remains. May you for ever and always rest in peace.
Here is a link to Harry Belafonte and Danny Kaye singing “Hava Nagila” a traditional Jewish song that is played at weddings, bar mitzvahs and bat mitvahs.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words about Harry Belafonte, his music and his activism. It brought back a great memory of hearing him in concert at Forest Hills Stadium. The world has lost an incredible talent and humanitarian.
Thank you for using the word "resolve" for his style. It brought to mind one of my favorite poems, "A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish" by Robert Burns. The poem describes the anguish, then says "But if I must afflicted be/To suit some wise design,/Then man my soul with firm resolves/To bear and not repine!"
Nice, Dan.
My parents (stepfather) and mom had his albums. I grew up listening to him. I'm 64 now and still hear his songs in my head!!! Jamaica Farewell. We sailed in the Caribbean--open seas because my step dad was a sailor. He was in the Navy and built boats.
Thanks, Dan, for this remembrance - as a "folkie" in the '50s and '60s I was thrilled to hear someone who was both honest and sophisticated in his style - not commercial as many groups were then, but more polished than the "roots" singers of that time. He left a beautiful legacy both as a musician and a fine human being.
Thank you for this fitting post honoring the life, music, and contributions of Harry Belafonte, a giant in the music industry and in the ongoing Civil Rights Movement. The comments posted by the Steady community are beautiful tributes as well. I learned so much more than I knew about Mr Belafonte. He was a true blessing to the world.
It’s hard to be sad when I heard of the passing of Mr. Belafonte. He loved a bold and beautiful life. His legacy of generosity, fearlessness, immense talent, and tenacity will never be forgotten. Beloved by everyone, admired by masses. He supported the Civil Rights movement and was a friend to MLK. He broke barriers and blazed trails. He loves his family and his fellow man. Rest well kind sir. We love you!
❤️❤️❤️. Thank you!
What an amazing tribute to an amazing person. Thank you for this!
The first album I had as a boy was by Harry Belafonte. I must have played it on the little phonograph a thousand times, especially “Jamaica Farewell”. Only much later I learned that he was an activist in Civil Rights. What a deep rich and meaningful life Mr. Belafonte lived. What an example for us all.
Yes, a True Hero and beautiful singer.
Thank you for this tribute to Harry Belafonte. He & Petula Clark sang On the Path to Glory, which she wrote. Check out the performance on YouTube. It is important to watch the clip of Petula explaining the controversy over this take, with her holding on to Harry’s arm. The fight for equality & an end to racism is ever present.
I didn't have a list included in my article.
The YouTube links are the songs list: "Day-o," "Island in the Sun, " "Shenandoah."
I had the opportunity to meet Mr Belafonte after a concert. He was gracious,warm and charming. I had always admired him but after meeting him in person I realized how very special he truly was. Thank you for writing about Mr Belafonte.
I grew up listening to him and watching him on television. He was a remarkable human who was not only accomplished but helped so many. Through his lifetime he was also a friend of the Jewish people and had a great love of Israel. He did so much to bring all different people together.
He will be remembered by many around the world for all he did to break barriers and create a more just and free world. Your legacy remains. May you for ever and always rest in peace.
Here is a link to Harry Belafonte and Danny Kaye singing “Hava Nagila” a traditional Jewish song that is played at weddings, bar mitzvahs and bat mitvahs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_L1RAVm4js
Thank you so much for your wonderful words about Harry Belafonte, his music and his activism. It brought back a great memory of hearing him in concert at Forest Hills Stadium. The world has lost an incredible talent and humanitarian.
Thank you
Thank you for using the word "resolve" for his style. It brought to mind one of my favorite poems, "A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish" by Robert Burns. The poem describes the anguish, then says "But if I must afflicted be/To suit some wise design,/Then man my soul with firm resolves/To bear and not repine!"