Early Years
Henry Belefonte was born in 1927 and raised in Harlem, New York. He was exposed to music and the performing arts at an early age and was determined to pursue a career in the arts. He attended the High School of Music and Art and later moved to Los Angeles to study acting.
Personal Life
Henry Belefonte married his wife Julie Robinson in 1953 and they had three children together. He had a close relationship with his family, especially his mother and father. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights, and this is reflected in his activism and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
Influences
Henry Belefonte was strongly influenced by the Harlem Renaissance and its focus on the celebration of African American culture and art. He was also inspired by the works of African American writers and poets, such as Langston Hughes and James Baldwin.
Career
Henry Belefonte's career in the arts began in the 1950s. He released his first album, Calypso, in 1956, which was a huge success and became the first album to sell over one million copies. He went on to release several other albums, including "An Evening with Harry Belafonte and Friends" and "Tonight with Harry Belafonte", and starred in the movie "Carmen Jones". He was also an advocate for civil rights and was a close friend and colleague of Martin Luther King Jr.
