Find out “Harry Belafonte Net Worth Before Death” It is widely known that Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, musician, actor, and social activist. Through his musical and cultural celebrity, Belafonte has advocated for social justice and racial equality since the 1950s and 1960s, when he hit with hits like “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jamaica Farewell.”
Due to his long and successful career, Harry Belafonte’s wealth is of great interest to many. This article examines his life and discusses his current net worth.
Who was Harry Belafonte?
In the 1950s, American singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte helped spread calypso music over the world. The only artist to win all four major awards—the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—is Harry Belafonte, and he did it in a non-competitive category for the Oscar. Calypso (1956), the first million-selling LP by a single artist, was his big break and launched his career.
Harry Belafonte Net Worth Before Death
At the time of his death, American singer, actor, and social crusader Harry Belafonte was worth $30 million. On April 25, 2023, Harry Belafonte passed away at the age of 96. Belafonte helped establish calypso as a mainstream musical genre with recordings such as “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and “Matilda.”
He became the first single artist to sell over a million copies of an album by selling over 31 consecutive weeks on the Billboard album chart in 1956 with “Calypso” (which included “Day-O” and “Jamaica Farewell”). Due to the success of this record, Belafonte became the highest-paid black singer in history during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
With highlights including roles in “Carmen Jones” and “Odds Against Tomorrow” and a standout cameo in “BlacKkKlansman,” directed by Spike Lee and released in 2018, his acting career spanned decades.
Harry Belafonte Early Life
Early life and career
Harold George Belafonte Jr. was born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York City. His parents were immigrants from the Caribbean island of Jamaica, and his father worked as a chef. Belafonte grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his military service, he returned to New York and started his career in entertainment as a janitor’s assistant at a theater.
Belafonte’s big break came in 1952 when he landed a role in the Broadway musical “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.” He went on to release his first album, “Calypso,” in 1956, which became the first album by a single artist to sell over one million copies. He also starred in films like “Carmen Jones” and “Island in the Sun,” and became one of the first black actors to achieve mainstream success.
Civil rights activism
Belafonte was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He was a close friend and confidant of Martin Luther King Jr., and helped fund the movement through his celebrity status and fundraising efforts. He organized the “Belafonte Folk Singers,” a group of black artists who used their music to support the cause of civil rights.
Belafonte also participated in the 1963 March on Washington, where he gave a speech alongside other civil rights leaders. He was also involved in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, and used his platform to speak out against racial injustice around the world.
Harry Belafonte Musical Career
Belafonte began his musical career as a club singer in New York to support his acting studies. When he made his public debut, he was accompanied by Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Miles Davis, among others, in the Charlie Parker ensemble.
Beginning his recording career in 1949 as a pop vocalist for the Roost label, he soon discovered the American folk song collections at the Library of Congress and shifted his focus there. The famed jazz venue The Village Vanguard soon welcomed Belafonte, accompanied by guitarist and friend Millard Thomas.
Harry Belafonte Film Career
Belafonte was in a lot of movies. In Bright Road (1953), starring Dorothy Dandridge, he made his cinematic debut. Later, in 1954, they both featured in Otto Preminger’s smash musical Carmen Jones.
Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge both had their singing voices dubbed by opera singers since they were judged unfit for their respective parts in the film.
Harry Belafonte Business Career
Bonaire, a small island in the Caribbean, was a favorite of Belafonte’s. He partnered with Maurice Neme of Oranjestad, Aruba, to develop a posh gated community in Bonaire.
The neighborhood of Belnem, named for Belafonte and Neme, was established on June 3, 1966. The Bel-Nem Caribbean Development Corporation is in charge of the neighborhood. It was first led by Belafonte and Neme. There were 717 people living in Belnem in 2017.
Harry Belafonte Personal Life
Belafonte was a loving dad and grandpa to his four children. During his marriage to Marguerite Byrd, he had his first two daughters, Adrienne and Shari. Belafonte remarried in 1957 to Julie Robinson, and the couple had children Gina and David.
After divorcing his second wife in 2004, the “Jump in the Line” singer wed Pamela Frank in 2008. They stayed together till Belafonte’s passing.
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Conclusion
Harry Belafonte is a famous Jamaican-American singer, musician, actor, and social campaigner who became famous in the 1950s and 1960s with hits like “The Banana Boat Song” and “Jamaica Farewell”.
Belafonte established calypso as a mainstream musical genre and was the highest-paid black singer in history. He also had a successful acting career, including lead roles in “Carmen Jones” and “BlacKkKlansman”.
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FAQs:
- What was Harry Belafonte’s most famous song?
- Harry Belafonte’s most famous song is “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).”
- What awards has Harry Belafonte won?
- Harry Belafonte has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Tony Award, Grammy Awards, and the Kennedy Center Honors.
- Was Harry Belafonte ever married?
- Yes, Harry Belafonte has been married three times.
- What was Harry Belafonte’s role in the civil rights movement?
- Harry Belafonte was a prominent supporter and fundraiser for the civil rights movement, and worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. to promote equality and justice.
- What is Harry Belafonte doing now?
- Harry Belafonte continues to be involved in activism and philanthropy, and serves as a mentor and inspiration to young artists and activists.
