Harry Belafonte is an American singer, actor, and activist born on March 1, 1927 in New York. He is best known for his involvement in the civil rights movement in the United States, as well as for his popular songs such as "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" and "Jump in the Line". Belafonte grew up in poverty in Harlem and served in the Navy during World War II. After returning to the United States, he began singing in New York clubs and was quickly noticed for his distinctive voice and charisma on stage. He recorded his first album in 1953, titled "Mark Twain and Other Folk Favorites", which was a great success. His second album, "Calypso", released in 1956, was a huge commercial success and made the song "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)" famous. In addition to his music career, Belafonte was a civil rights activist and worked alongside leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. to fight against racial segregation in the United States. He was also involved in international causes, including opposition to apartheid in South Africa and promoting peace in the Middle East. Belafonte also worked as an actor, appearing in films such as "Carmen Jones" (1954) and "Buck and the Preacher" (1972), as well as in television shows such as "The Muppet Show" (1978). Over the years, Belafonte has received numerous honors for his work, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1989. Today, at the age of 96, Harry Belafonte continues to be a respected and engaged artist, whose impact on American music and society is undeniable.