Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes

Subject: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 19 Feb 22 - 09:38 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a biography of Harry Belafonte, looking for people who might have memories or anecdotes to share about him. You can reach me through my website, ianzack.net

Many thanks.

Ian Zack

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Feb 22 - 07:03 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 07:39 AM

I don't know if this helps, but there's this...


Stan Freebereg "Day-O"


Saul

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Feb 22 - 03:16 PM

Thank you, Saul.

I'm familiar with it, but always good to hear it again. It's interesting to read some of the comments on the video too. It seems that in some homes it was more popular than the original.

Best,

Ian

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: GUEST,Jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 06:32 AM

there was a 'shock horror' moment in his career when he was on TV in the US with Petula Clark (an English white icon of the time) and he had the effrontery to touch her elbow- all hell broke loose in the media.

I think the actual event is now to be seen on Youtube- I'm sure you know this but maybe not?

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: Newport Boy
Date: 24 Feb 22 - 07:00 AM

As well as his music, his promotion and support for progressive causes has been important. He has also supported financially many musicians and actors who were unable to work because of their political views.

He spoke at the Bristol Festival of Ideas, in 2011 or 2012 I think. The format was an interview but the interviewer only asked about 4 questions, to each of which Belafonte gave 15-minute replies. This was followed by questions from the audience, one of which asked for his opinion of Barak Obama's presidency. Belafonte made a few comments, favourable and not, and concluded that he was "waiting for Obama to be brave".

About 90 minutes in, a mobile phone rang. Belafonte looked around the audience, then looked as though a light dawned, reached in his pocket and pulled out his phone. He silenced it, looked at it and said "It says it's time for me to go". And so he did - a very effective exit by a professional performer.

Phil

Subject: RE: Harry Belafonte memories/anecdotes
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 22 - 04:12 PM

Thank you both. I'm familiar with the Petula Clark incident and will see if I can locate the Bristol interview.

Best,

Ian