Hey there, friends. If you’ve been following the news, you might’ve heard about the passing of the legendary Harry Belafonte on April 25, 2023. At 96 years old, Belafonte left behind a legacy that stretched far beyond music. Esteemed members of the music industry, including Motown founder Berry Gordy, are reflecting on his life and the profound impact he had on both the arts and activism.
Harry Belafonte: A Man of Conviction and Compassion
Let’s talk about Harry Belafonte for a minute. He wasn’t just a performer; he was a force for good in this world. Berry Gordy, who called Belafonte a dear friend, shared a heartfelt statement with Closer. “My friend, Harry Belafonte, was truly a man of cause, conviction, and principle,” Gordy said. “He wasn’t just some guy who sang songs—he was a major political activist during the Civil Rights Movement. I’ll never forget the day in 1968 when Harry and I marched side by side on the Poor People’s March to Freedom. His commitment to justice was unmatched, and he’ll be sorely missed.”
Belafonte’s Legacy Lives On
Harry Belafonte passed away at his home in New York after battling congestive heart failure, according to his publicist, Ken Sunshine, who confirmed the news to The New York Times. Tributes have poured in from fans, friends, and colleagues, honoring his life and legacy. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, shared a touching memory on Twitter. She wrote, “When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in ways that were incredibly compassionate. In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings so my mom could focus during tough times. Here he is mourning with my mother at my father’s funeral service at Morehouse College. I won’t forget his kindness. Rest well, sir.”
Read also:Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos Share Hilarious Retirement Plans Thanks To Their Daughter Lola
A Career Rooted in Activism
For Belafonte, activism wasn’t just a side hustle—it was the foundation of his life’s work. Even as his music career skyrocketed in the 1950s with the release of his iconic Calypso album, he never lost sight of what truly mattered to him. As he once told The Dallas Morning News, “The portion of my life that is most important to me has to do with my activism. People often ask, ‘When did you decide to become an activist?’ My answer is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both serve each other, but activism came first.”
Harry Belafonte’s Family Remembers Him
Belafonte leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Pamela Frank, who was by his side until the end. Known as the “King of Calypso,” Belafonte was a devoted father to Adrienne and Shari from his first marriage to Marguerite Byrd, and David and Gina from his second marriage to Julie Robinson. His family and fans alike will cherish the memories of a man who used his voice not only to entertain but also to inspire change.
