Harry Belfote's Powerful People: The Banana Boat Song
Powerful People: Harry Belafonte
To some, the name Harry Belafonte is only known by his famous song “The Banana Boat Song” (Better known as Day-O) but he has accomplished more in his lifetime than most people could ever dream. Belafonte was born in 1927 in New York to a poor family. As a child, he had to make the move between America and Jamaica more than once. From his humble beginnings, Harry Belafonte was able to grow into not only a highly regarded musician and actor, but a powerful activist, taking a stand on several controversial issues through his lifetime. Belafonte developed a strong name for himself in multiple realms of the entertainment business; however his career as an entertainment had a modest start. In 1944, he dropped out of school and enlisted in the Navy. Upon his return, he began working a series of odd jobs until he eventually took a job as a janitor at the American Negro Theater, a place that would change the course of his entire life. It was there that he first learned of his deep passion for acting. It was also there, as Belafonte says, “that the universe opened” for him (“Harry Belafonte: Out”). Harry played a role in Erwin Piscator’s Dramatic Workshop, which led to the start of his famous music career. But in his heart, the music career took a backseat to his acting. During his career, he helped support …show more content…
Belafonte has always been a catalyst for change by pushing societal limits to help stride for equality, introducing a new sound to the music world, and by working to better the lives of less fortunate people. In short he has lived a life full of noble efforts and undoubtedly left his mark on the world. He has used his power and influence to serve worthy causes, and to some he could even be called a
To some, the name Harry Belafonte is only known by his famous song “The Banana Boat Song” (Better known as Day-O) but he has accomplished more in his lifetime than most people could ever dream. Belafonte was born in 1927 in New York to a poor family. As a child, he had to make the move between America and Jamaica more than once. From his humble beginnings, Harry Belafonte was able to grow into not only a highly regarded musician and actor, but a powerful activist, taking a stand on several controversial issues through his lifetime. Belafonte developed a strong name for himself in multiple realms of the entertainment business; however his career as an entertainment had a modest start. In 1944, he dropped out of school and enlisted in the Navy. Upon his return, he began working a series of odd jobs until he eventually took a job as a janitor at the American Negro Theater, a place that would change the course of his entire life. It was there that he first learned of his deep passion for acting. It was also there, as Belafonte says, “that the universe opened” for him (“Harry Belafonte: Out”). Harry played a role in Erwin Piscator’s Dramatic Workshop, which led to the start of his famous music career. But in his heart, the music career took a backseat to his acting. During his career, he helped support …show more content…
Belafonte has always been a catalyst for change by pushing societal limits to help stride for equality, introducing a new sound to the music world, and by working to better the lives of less fortunate people. In short he has lived a life full of noble efforts and undoubtedly left his mark on the world. He has used his power and influence to serve worthy causes, and to some he could even be called a