Harry Belafonte Passed Away From Congestive Heart Failure

Harry Belafonte, the singer of the hit “Day-O” has passed away at the age of 96. The singer and actor was one the first males of color to be a leading man.

The actor passed away from congestive heart failure. He was an award-winning Broadway performer, recording artist, and star of the 1950s. After becoming one of the first black leading men, he continued his career in entertainment behind the camera with production work on theatrical films.

Belafonte was also heavily involved in activism in the 60s working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helping undeveloped nations with his charity work. He made his debut in 1954 on RCA Records performing folk songs.

It wasn’t until 1956 when his calypso-inspired record, “Belafonte” spawned the hit “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and his music career took off. The record spent a shocking 31 weeks at number 1 and the single stayed on the charts for five weeks.

Another interesting tidbit is the album remains one of the four longest-running chart-toppers in history. The song was later used in the 1988 film Beetlejuice directed by Tim Burton.

The singer had a pretty amazing career including performing at Carnegie Hall. The born and raised New York native reordered more than five albums there and two live sets. The 1960 collection “Swing Dat Hammer” earned a Grammy for best ethnic or traditional folk album.

His 1965 album “An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba,” featuring folk singer Miriam Makeba won the same award. He also worked with greats like Bob Dylan who played harmonica on one f his albums.

He also had a hand in the We Are The World recording session. He helped to organize the musical artists, that include Michael Jackson, Bono, Sting, Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, and many, many more.

Belafonte continued to use his career as a beacon for African American rights within his film roles and his music.

The entertainer spent a lot of his career dabbling here and there in race relations especially when it comes to music compilations. In 2002 he created a compilation for RCA of a collection of African and African-American music. It was called “The Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music.” It gained three Grammy nominations for Belafonte.

Later in the artist's career he slowed down a bit and published his memoir. It came out in 2011, titled, “My Song,” it was written with Michael Shnayerson. A documentary was also made about Belafonte in 2012. “Sing Your Song” focused on his career and work as an activist.

It also dived into his early life growing up with a Jamaican mother and a father who was of Martinique descent and a chef. Left behind is the singer’s third wife, Pamela. He also has 4 biological children and two stepchildren.

He was also a proud grandpa of eight! Thoughts and prayers go out to the artists grieving family and friends.