From the very start of his career, Harry Belafonte carved out a place for himself as a triple threat—acting, singing, and songwriting. This iconic performer made waves in the '50s, taking home a Tony Award for his unforgettable performance in John Murray Anderson’s Almanac. Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Harry became not only a celebrated artist but also a devoted father to four children—Adrienne, Shari, David, and Gina. His longtime spokesperson, Ken Sunshine, confirmed to the New York Times on April 25, 2023, that Harry passed away at the age of 96 due to congestive heart failure. But even in his passing, his legacy lives on.
Early Life: From Harlem to Jamaica
Born in Harlem in 1927, Harry’s journey wasn’t always easy. In the 1930s, he moved to Jamaica with his mother, a place that would shape his early worldview. But life took another turn when he returned to the U.S. in the 1940s to serve in the Navy. After his service, Harry set his sights on New York City, where he decided to chase his dream of a music career in the mid-'40s. His beginnings might have been humble, but they paved the way for an extraordinary life filled with triumph and recognition.
"I was a janitor's assistant back in the day," Harry recalled in a 2011 interview with Morning Edition. "I loved mopping those halls, trying to channel my inner Charlie Chaplin as I skated up and down with a wet mop, just trying to make the monotony of cleaning a little more fun. But one day, I did a repair at a tenant’s apartment, and they handed me two tickets to a theater as a tip. That day, I walked into the American Negro Theater, and it felt like the universe had opened its arms to me." It was in that moment that Harry's life changed forever.
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A Voice for Change: Music Across Genres
Harry wasn’t just tied to one genre of music—he was a trailblazer who dabbled in folk, blues, calypso, gospel, and pop. Hits like "Banana Boat Song" and "Jump In the Line" became synonymous with his name. Early in his career, Harry tied the knot with Marguerite Byrd in 1948. Their marriage, which lasted until 1957, brought two daughters into the world—Adrienne and Shari. But Harry wasn’t just building a family; he was also becoming a pivotal voice in the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform to advocate for equality and justice.
A Legacy of Love: Marriage and Family
In 1957, Harry married his second wife, Julie Robinson, and their union lasted an impressive 47 years. Together, they welcomed two more children—daughter Gina and son David. The couple parted ways in 2004, but Harry's story of love wasn’t over yet. In 2008, he married his third wife, Pamela Frank. Though they didn’t have children together, they were proud grandparents to five grandchildren from Harry’s blended family. Love, for Harry, was a constant theme throughout his life.
Meet Harry’s Four Kids
Scroll down to get to know the incredible children Harry Belafonte left behind. Each of them carries a piece of his legacy, whether through their own accomplishments or the values they inherited from their father. Harry’s story is not just one of music and activism—it’s a story of family, resilience, and the power of love.
As we reflect on Harry Belafonte’s life, we’re reminded of the impact one person can have on the world. Through his music, his activism, and his family, Harry touched countless lives. And as we continue to celebrate his life, we’re reminded of the importance of using our voices to make a difference. Harry Belafonte wasn’t just a musician—he was a force for good in this world.
