Harry Belafonte, born Harold George Belafonte Jr. on March 1, 1927, in New York City, was an influential American singer, actor, and activist. Known as the "King of Calypso," he popularized Caribbean folk music worldwide, especially through his breakthrough album "Calypso" in 1956, which was the first million-selling LP by a single artist. His most famous recordings include "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," "Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)," and "Jamaica Farewell."

Belafonte's early life was marked by poverty and a turbulent family environment. He spent part of his childhood in Jamaica, which left a lasting impression on him due to the racial oppression he witnessed. After returning to New York, he dropped out of high school and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Post-war, he pursued acting and music, studying drama at Erwin Piscator's Dramatic Workshop alongside notable classmates like Marlon Brando.

His acting career began on Broadway, where he won a Tony Award for his performance in "John Murray Anderson’s Almanac." He also starred in films such as "Carmen Jones" (1954) and "Island in the Sun" (1957). Belafonte was a pioneer in television, becoming the first African American producer and winning an Emmy for "Tonight with Belafonte."

A close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr., Belafonte was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and various humanitarian causes. He was a vocal critic of U.S. policies under Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. His accolades include three Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and the National Medal of Arts. In 2022, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category.

Belafonte was married three times and had four children. He passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of artistic achievement and social activism.