I had the true pleasure of meeting the legend that is Harry Belafonte a little while back. Everybody has heard of him and I am also very familiar with a lot of his work – but it was only when I did the research before the short that I realised what a legend he actually is. Let's just say that if he was British he would surely be Sir Harry Belafonte by now.
The soft silky voice that introduced Calypso to the world. “The Banana Boat Song” is a song that only needs to be mentioned in order for it to be stuck in the mind for the rest of the day. “Come Mr Tally Man, tally me banana…..” Everybody sing: “Dayyyy-oooo!!!!!!!!” However, not only has Harry Belafonte shown his talents through music but he served in the US Navy during the WW-II, he acted in his early days with Sidney Poitier, Marlon Brando, Tony Curtis…. Belafonte was one of the most prominent campaigners for civil rights in the American South and has also been politically involved ever since. all his accomplishments are too many to mention in a picture lead blog but the fact is that he is IMPRESSIVE!!!!
I jumped at the chance to meet and photograph the man, even if it was limited to a very small hotel room with no character and 5 minutes. At the age of 85 he still smiles and is as charming as they come. Respect in every aspect!!!!
