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Harry Belafonte

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Harry Belafonte is an American singer, songwriter, activist, and actor. He is one of the most successful Jamaican-American pop stars in history. Belafonte is known for his recording of "The Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". He has recorded and performed in many genres, including blues, folk, gospel, show tunes, and American standards.


He has starred in films, including Otto Preminger's hit musical Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957), and Robert Wise's Odds Against Tomorrow (1959).
Belafonte has won three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. He also received the Kennedy Center Honors and was awarded the National Medal of Arts. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards.
Throughout his career he has been an advocate for political and human rights cause. He was an early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 60s.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Belafonte at the Palace
[Broadway]
1959
Performer
3 for Tonight
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Performer
John Murray Anderson's Almanac
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Performer
Singer of "Acorn in the Meadow"
Singer of "Hold 'Em Joe"
Singer of "Mark Twain"

Productions

Asinamali!
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Producer
Belafonte at the Palace
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Producer
Moonbirds
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Producer
John Murray Anderson's Almanac
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Composer

Writing

Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1954 - Performance

Harry Belafonte, John Murray Anderson's Almanac


winner
Tony Awards - 1954 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Harry Belafonte, John Murray Anderson's Almanac

Videos

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News


Video: Watch the Trailer for Palace Theatre Documentary PLAYING THE PALACE Photo
Video: Watch the Trailer for Palace Theatre Documentary PLAYING THE PALACE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025

The trailer has been released for Playing the Palace, a new feature documentary chronicling the history and recent transformation of Broadway’s Palace Theatre. The documentary features interviews with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Heather Headley, Ben Platt, and more.
National Black Theatre & The Flea Theater Collab On The World Premiere of CHIAROSCU Photo
National Black Theatre & The Flea Theater Collab On The World Premiere of CHIAROSCURO
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 18, 2025

National Black Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Originally written by one of the foremothers of the Black Arts Movement, the late Aishah Rahman, in 2002, this work is directed by NBT's SOUL Directing Resident Abigail jean-baptiste.
National Black Theatre To Present New York City Premiere of CHIAROSCURO Photo
National Black Theatre To Present New York City Premiere of CHIAROSCURO
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2025

National Black Theatre (NBT) in association with The Flea Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Performances run May 27 - June 22 at The Flea Theater.
Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season Photo
Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 3, 2025

 Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s top performing arts venues, will kick off its 35th season of bringing top-tier artists to Southern California with a community celebration of music and dance.
Pentatonix's Kevin Olusola Shares New Tracks From Upcoming Album Photo
Pentatonix's Kevin Olusola Shares New Tracks From Upcoming Album
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 14, 2025

Kevin Olusola, best known for his work with the a cappella group Pentatonix, has released two new tracks from his forthcoming album DAWN OF A MISFIT. Listen to them here!
Pentatonix Powerhouse Kevin Olusola to Release Debut Solo Album Photo
Pentatonix Powerhouse Kevin Olusola to Release Debut Solo Album
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 4, 2025

Kevin Olusola, the dynamic singer, cellist, and beatboxer best known for his work with Pentatonix, has set the release of his debut solo album. The multi-faceted artist previews his new LP with the electrifying lead single Dark Winter, out now.
Anika Poitier and David Belafonte to Join BTC 'Building the Change' Gala Photo
Anika Poitier and David Belafonte to Join BTC 'Building the Change' Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2025

Anika Poitier, daughter of Sidney Poitier, and David Belafonte, son of Harry Belafonte, will attend the 2nd Annual BTC “Building the Change” Gala as special guests. Learn more about the gala and see how to attend.
Iman Jordan to Receive Recording Academy's Best Song for Social Change Award Photo
Iman Jordan to Receive Recording Academy's Best Song for Social Change Award
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 30, 2025

The Recording Academy has selected the powerful anthem for unity, 'Deliver' —written by Iman Jordan (performer), Roy Gartrell, Tam Jones, and Ariel Loh as the recipient of its Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award.
Review: BEETLEJUICE Thrills At The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Photo
Review: BEETLEJUICE Thrills At The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
by Sarah Dussome - Jan 16, 2025

It's showtime! What did our critic think of BEETLEJUICE at The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Joe Henderson's 'Multiple' Sets Vinyl Reissue Photo
Joe Henderson's 'Multiple' Sets Vinyl Reissue
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 14, 2025

Craft Recordings and Jazz Dispensary kick off the new year in style with a heady cult favorite from Joe Henderson, 1973’s Multiple, cut from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI.
Free Screening of KING IN THE WILDERNESS to be Presented at Westport Country Playhous Photo
Free Screening of KING IN THE WILDERNESS to be Presented at Westport Country Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 3, 2025

In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Westport Country Playhouse will present a free-of-charge screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary film, “King in the Wilderness'. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Little Produced Best Musical Nominees Photo
Little Produced Best Musical Nominees
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Dec 29, 2024

The majority of Broadway’s Best Musical winners and nominees become some of the most produced shows in America and beyond, for decades to come. But for a small number of the shows to be nominated for Best Musical, Broadway is one of the only places audiences will ever be able to see that piece.
Review: THE MATRIXX Takes Audiences to a New Dimension at Edmonton's Spotlight Cabare Photo
Review: THE MATRIXX Takes Audiences to a New Dimension at Edmonton's Spotlight Cabaret
by Sarah Dussome - Dec 6, 2024

Created by Aimée Beaudoin and Jeff Halaby, this comedy-sci-fi-adventure features larger-than-life performances and energetic pop music hits.
Photos: Ricky Martin Headlines AHF World AIDS Day Concert Photo
Photos: Ricky Martin Headlines AHF World AIDS Day Concert
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2024

Ricky Martin had a sold-out crowd on their feet as he headlined AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s annual World AIDS Day concert at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida Monday night. Take a look at photos from the evening here!
Review: MONICA SALVI: SPIRITS IN MY CLOSET, Stage Door Theatre Photo
Review: MONICA SALVI: SPIRITS IN MY CLOSET, Stage Door Theatre
by Franco Milazzo - Nov 4, 2024

With cabaret, sometimes it isn't about the singer, or the song, but the singer singing the song while bouncing a drumstick off a trio of skulls. Perfectly timed for Halloween, Monica Salvi’s Spirits In My Closet is a witch’s brew containing personal stories and the supernatural musings interspersed with songs written by Tori Amos, Randy Newman and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
Ricky Martin to Headline AHF World AIDS Day Concert Photo
Ricky Martin to Headline AHF World AIDS Day Concert
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 1, 2024

Global superstar Ricky Martin will headline the annual World AIDS Day concert, presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service provider. The event takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida.
Review: René Marie Jumps Into Belafonte's Calypso Beats at Jazz at Lincoln Center Photo
Review: René Marie Jumps Into Belafonte's Calypso Beats at Jazz at Lincoln Center
by Rob Lester - Oct 29, 2024

René Marie at the Appel Room is a formidable, feisty presence saluting the late legend Harry Belafonte, concentrating on calypso. Her handling of the repertoire of legendary Belafonte, JUMP IN THE LINE!, brings a warm embrace with a hot band.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Presents 25th Anniversary Celebration In November Photo
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Presents 25th Anniversary Celebration In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2024

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe marks 25 years of showcasing African American history and culture with a celebration on November 14 at The Ora.
Restoration of Historic Boone Theater Signals New Era for Kansas City's 18th and Vine Photo
Restoration of Historic Boone Theater Signals New Era for Kansas City's 18th and Vine District
by Joshua Wright - Oct 23, 2024

Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine district is set for a significant transformation as plans move forward to restore the 100-year-old Boone Theater. The $8.7 million development project seeks to return the dilapidated building to its former prominence.
Jane Fonda to Appear as Narrator for Los Angeles Master Chorale's DREAM REQUIEM Photo
Jane Fonda to Appear as Narrator for Los Angeles Master Chorale's DREAM REQUIEM
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2024

Jane Fonda will be the narrator for the U.S. premiere of Rufus Wainwright’s new work and Los Angeles Master Chorale co-commission, Dream Requiem. Learn how to purchase tickets.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Harry Belafonte been in?

Harry Belafonte has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Harry Belafonte been in?

Harry Belafonte has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Harry Belafonte been nominated for?

Performance (Theatre World Awards) for John Murray Anderson's Almanac and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for John Murray Anderson's Almanac.

What awards has Harry Belafonte won?

Harry Belafonte has won the Theatre World Award for Performance for John Murray Anderson's Almanac and the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for John Murray Anderson's Almanac.

How many shows has Harry Belafonte written?

Harry Belafonte has written 1 shows including John Murray Anderson's Almanac (Composer/Lyricist).

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