A Man Named Belafonte
SharePosted on 28. Feb, 2007 by Gallivanter in Songs
Harry. Harry Belafonte. The King of Calypso music, popularizing the genre back in the 50s. Some of you may remember him by his signature song, “Day-O, Banana Boat Song”. I remember him by his other classic tunes too, “Matilda”, “Angelina”, “Island in the Sun”, “There’s a Hole in My Bucket”, “Coconut Woman” and the FIRST song I played with my guitar, “Jamaica Farewell”. This song never fails to leave me smiling.
It’s about the beauties of the West Indian Islands. Apparently the lyrics for the song were written in 1926. A 90-year old tune. 
Harry Belafonte – Jamaica Farewell
Mr D
Feb 28th, 2007
He was awesome eh! Everyone loved his sweet and melodic music. I still got a tape of him somewhere. MAGIC
Gallivanter
Feb 28th, 2007
Mr D I borrowed his greatest hits cassette from my schoolmate in Form 1 and it took my a couple of months to give it back, although I made copies!
Keropok
Feb 28th, 2007
I used to think he was the one who did Don’t Worry, Be Happy, til I eventually found out it was Bobby McFerrin.
HB is alright!
Bengbeng
Feb 28th, 2007
i remember Harry..thanks for finding all these old stuff for us
i saw him on tv b4 and my frens father loved his music
Broken Starfish
Feb 28th, 2007
Are you like 59 years old? Dude!! Seriously?!! Belafonte??
*his name reminds me of that botol mineral water la.. hapakenamatu ala fonte?*
Mr D
Feb 28th, 2007
I think any Malaysian between the ages of 25 and 40 grew up listening to his songs coz the old folks would have been grooving to him.
Gallivanter
Feb 28th, 2007
Keropok Bobby McFerrin…may he rest in peace…
Bengbeng Well, I loved his music too…fun-loving music…
Broken Starfish Hahaha! Now, after enlightening you with Belafonte’s music, change of mind?
Mr D You’d be surprised…not many have heard of Belafonte…although they have heard of Banana Boat Song…
Bengbeng
Mar 10th, 2007
I read http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6420733.stm
and suddenly I realized this guy is not the same guy I remembered. I got it wrong. Is there a guy named Harry Seacombe?
Gallivanter
Mar 11th, 2007
Bengbeng I haven’t heard of him. A singer?
suanie
Mar 28th, 2007
hey this song reminded me of one of Little Mermaid’s song.. Kiss The GIrl
Gallivanter
Mar 28th, 2007
suanie I haven’t heard of that song, but if it is, I’m pretty sure that it sampled from this.