He has also starred in several films, most notably 'Carmen Jones' (1954), 'Island in the Sun' (1957) and 'Odds Against Tomorrow' (1959). Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for political and humanitarian causes, such as the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. The album introduced American audiences to calypso music, and Belafonte was dubbed the King of Calypso.īesides calypso, Belafonte recorded blues, folk, gospel, show tunes and American standards.īelafonte was an early supporter of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s and one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s close friends.

His breakthrough album 'Calypso' (1956) became the first long-playing record in the world to sell more than 1 million copies within a year.

were featured at the Sands Hotel and Casino and the Dunes Hotel.īelafonte's first widely released single, which became his signature audience participation song in virtually all of his live performances, was 'Matilda,' recorded on April 27, 1953. He and pianist Liberace, musician and singer Ray Vasquez, and singer Sammy Davis Jr. In 1953, he signed a contract with RCA Victor, recording regularly for the label until 1974.īelafonte also performed during the so-called Rat Pack era in Las Vegas. With guitarist and friend Millard Thomas, Belafonte made his debut at The Village Vanguard, a legendary jazz club in New York City. Later, he developed an interest in folk music. To supplement his income while attending acting classes, Belafonte sang at nightclubs at times backed by music legends, including jazz musicians Charlie Parker, Max Roach and Miles Davis. His fellow students included future actor Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier, who became a lifelong friend. 'The Port Chicago mutiny was one of America's ugliest miscarriages of justice, the largest mass trial in naval history, and a national disgrace,' Belafonte said according to the release, and credited television producer Ted Turner and his staff with having the courage to put the story on television.Ī Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was dedicated in 1994 to the sailors killed in the disaster.Īfter leaving the Navy in 1945, Belafonte returned to New York City and used his GI Bill to pay for classes at The New School Dramatic Workshop.

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