Actor, singer, and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte has died. He was 96. He died of congestive heart failure with his wife, Pamela, by his side in his home in New York.
Harry Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City. He gained widespread popularity during the 1950s and 1960s with hits like "Jamaica Farewell" and "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" and became one of the earliest African-American performers to attain such success. He is renowned for his unique voice and his ability to blend different music genres, including calypso, folk, and pop.
In addition to his music career, Belafonte has been a notable advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement. He also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and was involved in various humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Belafonte has been recognized with many accolades and awards throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He remains an influential figure in both the music industry and social activism.
Aside from his wife, Harry is survived by his four children Adrienne, Shari, David, and Gina, and five grandchildren.
