Belafonte at 95: Legendary Musician and Civil Rights Activist Honored with Tribute Concert
Harry Belafonte : Legendary musician and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte is being honored with a special tribute concert in New York City. The event, titled “Belafonte at 95: A Tribute to Harry Belafonte,” will celebrate the Jamaican-American singer’s remarkable career and his lifelong commitment to social justice.
Belafonte, who turns 95 on March 1, 2022, first rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s with hits like “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jump in the Line.” But he also became known as a passionate advocate for civil rights, working closely with figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and serving as a key fundraiser for the movement.
Over the years, Belafonte has continued to use his platform to speak out on issues like poverty, climate change, and racial justice. In 2018, he was awarded the Ambassador of Conscience Award by Amnesty International in recognition of his “lifelong commitment to fighting for human rights and using his voice and art to shine a light on the world’s most pressing injustices.”
The tribute concert, set to take place on March 1, 2022 at New York’s Carnegie Hall, will feature performances by a range of artists influenced by Belafonte’s work. These include musicians like Common, Aloe Blacc, and Maxwell, as well as spoken word artists and other performers.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this tribute,” Belafonte said in a statement. “I have spent my life fighting for justice and equality, and to see so many talented artists come together to celebrate that work means more to me than words can express.”
The concert is being produced by Danny Kapilian, a longtime collaborator of Belafonte’s, and is part of a larger celebration of the singer’s legacy that will take place throughout 2022. In addition to the concert, there will be a documentary film about Belafonte’s life and work, as well as a series of public events and exhibitions.
Belafonte himself will also be making a number of public appearances throughout the year, including a special interview with journalist Anderson Cooper at the 92nd Street Y in New York City on March 14.
The tribute concert promises to be a night to remember, celebrating not only Belafonte’s remarkable career as a musician, but also his tireless activism and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Harry belafonte songs
- “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)”
- “Jamaica Farewell”
- “Jump in the Line”
- “Island in the Sun”
- “Mary’s Boy Child”
- “Matilda”
- “Hava Nagila”
- “Man Smart (Woman Smarter)”
- “Coconut Woman”
- “Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)”