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    Harry Belafonte passes away: Tim Cook says world has lost a 'true giant', Oprah calls him a 'trailblazer'

    Synopsis

    Harry Belafonte, a singer and actor who introduced a Caribbean flair to US music, has passed on at the age of 96. He was known to fans as the "King of Calypso" as a result of his 1956 hit "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" and went on to become a movie star after arriving in the film adaption of the Broadway musical, "Carmen Jones".

    ​Tributes have been pouring in for singer-activist Harry Belafonte.​Agencies
    Tributes have been pouring in for singer-activist Harry Belafonte.
    Veteran actor and singer Harry Belafonte's sudden demise on Tuesday night left the entire world grieving.

    The singer, who introduced a Caribbean flair to mainstream US music, passed away due to congestive heart failure at his New York home. He was 96.

    Tributes have been pouring in for the singer-activist.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was in India for more than one week to launch two retail stores in the country, took to Twitter to pay his tribute.

    "The world has lost a true giant today. Harry Belafonte was a barrier breaker who helped reshape our world through his civil rights advocacy, his music, and his acting. May he rest in peace," he tweeted.


    Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey also mourned the loss of Belafonte and called him a "trailblazer" and "hero."

    "Another 'GREAT TREE' has fallen: Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice -- especially risking your life back in the day to get money for the movement," she wrote.

    Singer John Legend, speaking at a Time magazine event, said that Belafonte was the epitome of art and activism. "If you think about what it means to be an artist and an activist, he was literally the epitome of what that was," he was quoted as saying.

    Actor Jeffrey Wright said that Belafonte was the "last of a great tribe."

    "Harry Belafonte was a standard bearer, in the tradition of Robeson, for generational artistry and deeply informed & committed social & political engagement. Maybe the last of a great tribe. As smart as he was knockdown handsome," he added.


    Director Spike Lee also tweeted, "May God Have My Dear Friend HARRY BELAFONTE At A Peaceful Rest. We Are Losing Our Giants Left And Right."


    Alongside a video tribute to Belafonte, actress Viola Davis wrote, "You used your profile and gifts to leave a legacy of activism, of hope, dignity...excellence. Thank you for your vision and talent. Thank you for being a beacon."


    Former US President Barack Obama paid his heartfelt condolences with a priceless picture of Belafonte.

    Calling Harry Belafonte "a barrier-breaking legend", Obama tweeted, "Harry Belafonte was a barrier-breaking legend who used his platform to lift others up. He lived a good life - transforming the arts while also standing up for civil rights. And he did it all with his signature smile and style. Michelle and I send our love to his wife, kids, and fans."


    US President Joe Biden also honoured the late singer-activist.

    "He used his fame and fortune for the public good throughout his extraordinary career. (...) Harry Belafonte's accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for human dignity will endure."


    Belafonte, 96, was dubbed the 'King of Calypso' after the groundbreaking success of his 1956 hit, 'The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)'. He also became a movie star after acting in the film adaption of the Broadway musical, 'Carmen Jones'.

    He was also a key strategist, fundraiser and mediator for the civil rights movement. He continually risked his entertainment career -- and at least once his life -- for his activism.

    Harry Belafonte is survived by his wife Pamela, and children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte, two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank and eight grandchildren.


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