Today, there are several Black artists that sell millions of records and hold great influence throughout the music industry, but this wasn’t always so. One of the people that helped pave the way was Harry Belafonte, the King of Calypso. Harry Belafonte's songs continue to have an influence on music throughout the world, but the musician and actor was much more than just an artist. The military service of Harry Belafonte, along with his activism, made significant impacts in defending and shaping the United States for the better. Related read: All the Details of Prince Harry’s Military Career

Where is Harry Belafonte From?

Although Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem, the influence of his parents and their homelands was ever-present. The Caribbean will forever be a part of his legacy, with his father hailing from Martinique and his mother being Jamaican. His mother even helped him learn more about the Caribbean culture by traveling with him to Jamaica. A trip, upbringing, and lifestyle that would impact the world.

Is Harry Belafonte Still Alive?

Harry Belafonte, a well-known musician and civil rights activist, died at his Upper West Side home in Manhattan at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure. Belafonte's longtime spokesman Ken Sunshine broke the news. Making history as one of the first Black entertainers to gain success in a predominantly white show business industry, although not the first Black entertainer to achieve stardom, Harry had an unmatched impact and became one of the biggest names in music during his time. Responsible for almost single-handedly blazing the trail that brought Caribbean music to the mainstream, his influence is still felt today. Classic tracks such as Harry Belafonte’s “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell” continue to influence everything from hip-hop to modern Caribbean music. His effect on the music industry can even appear in fan chants at NBA games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYYkJ0kwNss While his album “Calypso,” which reached the top of the Billboard album chart shortly after its 1956 release and stayed for 31 weeks, is considered by many to be the first album by a single artist to sell over a million copies, there is more to his story than just music. The truth is, Harry Belafonte’s political activism and work throughout the Civil Rights Movement helped impact communities throughout this nation. All of this would come after serving his country. a service that almost required the ultimate sacrifice for the man, musician, and activist. Suggested read: Veteran Burt Bacharach Passes, but His Impact on Music Is Eternal

A WWII Veteran That Almost Didn’t Survive to Launch His Career

The superstar that Belafonte would become almost never was. This is because while serving from 1944-1945 in the U.S. Navy, which still had segregation firmly in place, he was nearly involved in one of the deadliest mishaps stateside for troops in the history of our military. What happened on July 17, 1944, during the munitions explosion at Port Chicago Naval Magazine

Barrier Breaker, Entertainer, and Activist

Using his GI Bill to attend The New School Dramatic Workshop after leaving the Navy, Belafonte would become colleagues and friends with several future legends, such as Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier. Unfortunately. the bills come whether or not you are pursuing your dreams, so Belafonte sought additional income. This would lead to his time singing at nightclubs throughout NYC with various famous names, including Miles Davis. Ultimately, he’d sign with RCA Victor, contributing to his performing in Las Vegas during the Rat Pack Era, acting in movies, and making history in 1968 as a guest host for The Tonight Show. As a close personal friend of Martin Luther King Jr., and actively supporting the Civil Rights Movement, Belafonte used his earnings to contribute to humanitarian and political causes, including performances to raise funds for Africa. Belafonte's efforts continued on social and political levels until he passed away. Working hard to champion equality and fight for marginalized communities, Harry Belafonte was a star that never forgot to give back to those in need. Read next: Veterans Day Movies Guide: 5 Characters You Didn't Know Were Veterans