His Song (Harry Belafonte)

                                                   

By Gregory K. Taylor

Harry Belafonte came to town last night, sponsored by KPFA Radio of Berkeley, California, to present his memoir “My Song.”  It is a rare opportunity to witness a recitation of historical events through the words of a celebrated vocalist, actor, civil-rights activist, and writer.

Harry Belafonte, Joan's mother, and Joan Baez

With the possible exception of a cane to steady his progress as he walked onto the stage, Mr. Belafonte’s youthful visage and mental acuity belied his 84 yrs.  His regal and social pedigree was on his sleeve for all to see.  He weaved a chronological tapestry of footnotes outlining his days of obscurity to his days for social justice.

Mr. Belafonte credited his early successes breaking into the entertainment business with advice given him by mentor, actor, singer, and trailblazer Paul Robeson.  “Get the world to sing your song and they will want to know who you are,” he was told.  Through this art form of song in propagating a more salient message for social justice, Harry Belafonte has gotten the world to sing his song.

Joan Baez

Harry Belafonte

In a lighter moment, Harry broke into a melodic rendition of his famous 1957 “Day-O, or the Banana Boat Song,” while the capacity audience added their accompaniment.  His voice was still true and pleasant to the ear.

Luminaries providing introductory tribute were Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Folk Singer Joan Baez, Dr Mona Scott, and a sonnet read by Al Young.