Harry Belafonte, the groundbreaking singer and actor who became a civil rights icon, died on Tuesday at his home in New York City. He was 96.
Belafonte’s death was confirmed by his longtime publicist, Ken Sunshine. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.
Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York, in 1927. He began his career as a calypso singer in the 1940s, and quickly became one of the most popular entertainers in the world. His music was a powerful force for social change, and he used his platform to speak out against racism and injustice.
In the 1950s, Belafonte became a close friend and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement, and he helped to raise awareness of the struggle for equality through his music, his speeches, and his activism.
Belafonte continued to speak out on social and political issues throughout his life. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War, and he supported the Black Panther Party and other radical groups. He was also a strong advocate for human rights and social justice around the world.
In addition to his work as a singer and activist, Belafonte also had a successful career in film and television. He starred in films such as “Carmen Jones” and “The World, the Flesh and the Devil,” and he won an Emmy Award for his work on the television special “The Muppet Show.”
Belafonte was a true legend, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. He was a pioneer in the civil rights movement, a powerful voice for social justice, and a gifted entertainer who brought joy to millions of people around the world.
Tributes Pour in for Harry Belafonte
Tributes have poured in for Harry Belafonte, the groundbreaking singer, actor, and civil rights icon who died on Tuesday at the age of 96.
“Harry Belafonte was a giant in every sense of the word,” said President Joe Biden. “He was a towering figure in the civil rights movement, and his music and activism inspired generations of Americans to fight for justice and equality.”
Former President Barack Obama said that Belafonte was “a true American original.” “He was a brilliant artist, a passionate advocate, and a loving husband and father,” Obama said. “He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on.”
Other tributes came from celebrities, politicians, and activists around the world. Singer Rihanna called Belafonte “a legend” and “a true inspiration.” Actor Denzel Washington said that Belafonte was “a giant in the world of entertainment and a giant in the world of civil rights.” And former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Belafonte was “a true American hero.”
Belafonte will be remembered as a pioneer in the civil rights movement, a powerful voice for social justice, and a gifted entertainer who brought joy to millions of people around the world. His legacy will live on for generations to come.
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