Harry Belafonte single-handedly introduced the world to calypso music, with an album so revered that it is lodged in the Registry of the National Library of Congress as a significant cultural work.

A versatile singer with a unique, smooth, velvet-like voice, he mastered almost all musical genres. A talented actor on both stage and screen, Belafonte preferred to work on productions that held a strong social message.

A self-proclaimed civil rights activist he was able to his huge influence in the music industry to originate the idea for, and was a key organiser of, the 1985 charity single, “We Are The World”, featuring several megastar performers, including Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Dylan.

This fantastic collection showcases the music of a star who was described by Barack Obama as “a barrier-breaking legend”. Get prepared to be possessed by the powers of calypso.

TRACKS

Side A
1    Gomen Nasai
2    Hold 'Em Joe
3    Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)
4    Jamaica Farewell
5    Mary's Boy Child
6    Banana Boat (Day-O)
7    Mama Look a Bubu

Side B
1    Don't Ever Love Me
2    Island in the Sun
3    Coconut Woman
4    Little Bernadette
5    The Marching Saints
6    The Son of Mary
7    Round the Bay of Mexico