Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, and Oprah Winfrey were among the first to pay tribute to the legendary musician, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte, who died Tuesday aged 96.
Obama, the former 44th President of the United States said of the iconic artist: “Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans".
Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life – transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and… pic.twitter.com/g77XCr9U5b
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023
Oprah Winfrey wrote: “Another ‘"GREAT TREE’ has fallen: Harry Belafonte, a trailblazer and hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice—especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement. Your being here on Earth has Blessed us all.”
While the President of the United States Joe Biden said on behalf of himself and his wife: “Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation. Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever."
Jill and I are saddened by the passing of a groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2023
Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.
Belafonte is a name that is synonymous with music, activism, and humanitarianism. A talented performer and a passionate activist, Belafonte used his influence to champion social justice causes and raise awareness about issues that affected marginalized communities.
Born in Harlem in 1927, Belafonte had a difficult childhood. His mother was a Jamaican immigrant who worked as a domestic servant, and his father was absent for much of his life. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he experienced poverty, discrimination, and racism firsthand. Despite these challenges, he was determined to make something of himself and pursued a career in the arts.
His breakthrough came in 1953 when he recorded his first album, "Calypso." It was a massive success and introduced Americans to the sounds of Caribbean music. The hit single from the album, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," became a cultural phenomenon and is still recognized as one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century.
Belafonte went on to record dozens of albums over the course of his career, but he was more than just a musician. He will always be remembered for fighting for civil rights and social justice. In the 1950s and 1960s, he was a close friend and ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a key role in the civil rights movement. He participated in sit-ins, marches, and protests, and used his music to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Black Americans.
He was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked to raise awareness about global issues such as hunger, poverty, and disease.
May you RIP Harry Belafonte
