Harry Belafonte is a Jamaican-American singer, actor, and social activist who rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. He is known for his distinctive voice, which blends elements of Caribbean and American musical styles, and his repertoire of songs that celebrate the human spirit and call for social justice.
Belafonte’s most famous hits include “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)”, “Jamaica Farewell”, and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. He also acted in a number of films and television shows, including Carmen Jones, Island in the Sun, and Buck and the Preacher.
In addition to his musical and acting career, Belafonte was a committed social activist, using his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice causes. He was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King Jr., and helped to finance the civil rights movement. He also worked to promote global humanitarian causes, including fighting against apartheid in South Africa and advocating for refugees and the homeless.
Belafonte’s musical and social legacy continues to be celebrated today. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to music and social justice, and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and the wider world.
1. “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)”
The Banana Boat Song, also known as Day-O, is a lively and rhythmic folk song that was popularized by Harry Belafonte in the 1950s. The song features an infectious call-and-response chorus that encourages listeners to join in and sing along. The lyrics describe the daily routine of dock workers in Jamaica who load bananas onto ships bound for the United States. The upbeat melody and Belafonte’s smooth vocals make the song an enduring classic that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a joyful celebration of hard work, camaraderie, and the simple pleasures of life.
2. “Jamaica Farewell”
“Jamaica Farewell” is a nostalgic and melancholic calypso song recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1956. The song depicts a farewell to Jamaica and the longing for the island’s beauty and culture. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Jamaica’s lush landscape and the joyful rhythm of the music. The song’s chorus, “Down the way where the nights are gay, and the sun shines daily on the mountaintop,” captures the carefree and relaxed lifestyle of the Caribbean. “Jamaica Farewell” became a hit and an enduring favorite due to its infectious melody and Belafonte’s smooth vocals, making it a timeless classic of Caribbean music.
3. “Jump in the Line”
“Jump in the Line” is a song by Harry Belafonte, released in 1961 as a single. The song features a lively, calypso-inspired sound with a catchy beat and joyous vocals that showcase Belafonte’s musical versatility. The lyrics describe the pleasures of dance and revelry, urging listeners to “jump in the line” and join the celebration. The song’s upbeat sound and infectious energy made it an instant hit, reaching number 23 on the charts and cementing Belafonte’s reputation as one of the most popular and enduring performers of the era. “Jump in the Line” remains a beloved classic of the genre, a testament to Belafonte’s ability to capture the spirit of Caribbean music and bring it to a global audience.
4. “Matilda”
Matilda is a classic calypso song recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1953. It tells the story of a man named Matilda who leaves her lover behind after he spends all of her money. The song features a catchy melody and Belafonte’s signature smooth vocals, accompanied by a lively arrangement of horns, drums, and other percussion instruments. The lyrics are filled with humor and playful wordplay, and the chorus invites listeners to join in and sing along. Matilda has since become a beloved favorite of fans of calypso music and Harry Belafonte’s extensive repertoire, and continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
5. “Island in the Sun”
“Island in the Sun” is a calypso song recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1957. The song is a celebration of the beauty and culture of the Caribbean islands, particularly the island of Jamaica. The lyrics express a desire for people of different races and backgrounds to come together and live in harmony. The melody is upbeat and catchy, with an infectious chorus that encourages listeners to dance and sing along. “Island in the Sun” became a hit and a beloved classic of Caribbean music, thanks to its optimistic message and Belafonte’s charismatic vocals. The song continues to inspire and uplift listeners today.
6. “Scarlet Ribbons”
“Scarlet Ribbons” is a song by Harry Belafonte, released in 1956 as a single. The song features a simple, yet powerful melody and Belafonte’s emotive vocals that showcase his musical sensitivity. The lyrics describe a father’s love for his daughter and his desire to give her a special gift, with the imagery of “scarlet ribbons” evoking the warmth and tenderness of the bond between parent and child. The song’s emotional depth and heartwarming message made it an instant hit, reaching number 13 on the charts and becoming a beloved classic of the era. “Scarlet Ribbons” remains a testament to Belafonte’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal level and touch their hearts through his music.
7. “Mama Look a Boo Boo”
Mama Look a Boo Boo is a calypso song made famous by Harry Belafonte in 1956. The song features a lively and upbeat melody with Belafonte’s smooth vocals accompanied by a band of steel drums, guitars, and percussion instruments. The lyrics tell the story of a man who attends a masquerade ball and scares his mother with his costume, but reassures her that he’s only dressed up for fun. The song is filled with playful wordplay and catchy rhymes, and the chorus invites listeners to join in and sing along. Mama Look a Boo Boo has since become a beloved classic of calypso music and continues to be enjoyed by fans of Harry Belafonte and the genre alike.
8. “Coconut Woman”
“Coconut Woman” is a lively and humorous calypso song recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1957. The song tells the story of a woman who sells coconuts on the beach, and the various men who are smitten with her charms. Belafonte’s upbeat vocals and the catchy steel drum melody create a festive atmosphere that captures the carefree spirit of the Caribbean. “Coconut Woman” became a hit and a favorite among fans of calypso music, thanks to its playful lyrics and infectious rhythm. The song remains a classic of Caribbean music and a testament to the enduring appeal of Belafonte’s music.
9. “Man Smart, Woman Smarter”
“Man Smart, Woman Smarter” is a song by Harry Belafonte, originally released in 1952 as a calypso single. The song features a lively and infectious rhythm with Belafonte’s signature vocals and lyrics that celebrate the intelligence and savvy of women over men. The lyrics humorously describe the situations where women prove to be smarter than men, from avoiding a common cold to outsmarting in love affairs. The song’s catchy beat and humorous lyrics made it an instant hit, and it has since become a popular song that is covered by many artists. “Man Smart, Woman Smarter” is a testament to Belafonte’s ability to entertain and charm audiences with his unique style of calypso music.
10. “Mary’s Boy Child”
“Mary’s Boy Child” is a Christmas song by Harry Belafonte, released in 1956 as a single. The song features a beautiful melody with Belafonte’s emotive vocals that evoke the spirit of the holiday season. The lyrics describe the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of love and hope for all humanity, emphasizing the importance of the holiday as a time of reflection and joy. The song’s emotional depth and heartfelt message made it an instant hit, reaching number 1 on the charts and becoming a beloved classic of the holiday season. “Mary’s Boy Child” remains a testament to Belafonte’s ability to capture the essence of Christmas and convey its timeless message through his music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
