Biography of Harry Belafonte

The Harlem-born vocalist spearheaded the mid-'50s calypso movement in America, although he started out as a more conventional pop artist. Belafonte's clear diction, pure voice, and strikingly handsome features made him a national sensation when RCA released "Jamaica Farewell" in 1956 and "Banana Boat (Day-O)" the next year. Although much of his subsequent RCA output was calypso-oriented, Belafonte dabbled in everything from blues to Gershwin over the next few years. In addition to his music, Belafonte has starred in several movies, including Buck and the Preacher in 1972 and Uptown Saturday Night in 1974. His daughter Shari is a successful actress. ~ Bill Dahl