Harry Belafonte was a well-known songwriter and singer who achieved success in the 1940s and ’50s. He is especially renowned for the calypso-style music he showcased in his albums, such as “Calypso” and “Belafonte at Carnegie Hall.” One of his most famous songs is “Lemon Tree,” which was released in 1968. The song has endured and still receives airplay on radio stations today.
The song is a melodic plea in a minor key describing a young man’s regret after losing his love; the chorus “Oh Mellow is the lemon tree, today upon the street” revolves around the image of a lemon tree as a reminder of his past romance. It is also believed that its haunting melody was inspired by some of Belafonte’s own romantic experiences as a young man.
So, did Belafonte actually sing the song “Lemon Tree”? Yes, Belafonte did originally record the song, which became a popular hit. It was released in 1968 from Belafonte’s 10th album “Turn the World Around,” and was the album’s closing track. It has since been covered by numerous singers and acoustic guitarists.
The song was written by a Jamaican songwriter by the name of Ismay Audley, at a time when Belafonte was highly interested in Jamaican culture and music. Belafonte chose to record this song, in part, because it allowed him to demonstrate his newly acquired musical knowledge. While the original recording of the song had the same melody, it utilized a faster tempo which is more suited to a calypso-style beat.
The original recording of the song featured Belafonte on lead vocals, as well as on rhythm and acoustic guitar. The song was produced by Jared Michaels and released on Belafonte’s 10th studio album, “Turn the World Around”. It became a top 20 hit on the UK Singles Chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The track received much acclaim from critics who praised its unique combination of sorrowful lyrics and the Caribbean style of the melody.
Belafonte’s version of “Lemon Tree” has been covered by many influential singers, such as Bob Marley, Van Morrison, and even Johnny Cash. Most recently, folk music group The Weavers, who Belafonte was a member of, have recorded their own version of the classic hit, as a tribute to Belafonte’s legacy. All of these artists have put their own unique spin on the classic, while still maintaining the same overall theme and meaning.
History of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. on March 1, 1927, was one of the most successful and respected singers of his time. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, and was awarded a special Tony Award in 1969. Belafonte started in show business in the late 1940s and developed a reputation as the “King of Calypso Music.” He worked with renowned artists, including Bob Dylan, John Denver, and later, with the new wave group R.E.M. He also made appearances in movies, most notably as “Don Pedro De Luna” in Robert Altman’s movie “O.C. and Stiggs,” an adaptation of the National Lampoon fiction magazine. Belafonte remains active in humanitarian work, supporting various causes and organizations such as” the United Nations Foundation and the Children’s Defense Fund.
Belafonte’s Popular Songs
Belafonte was a critically acclaimed and multi-talented artist whose music has been enjoyed for generations. Some of his most popular songs include “Banana Boat Song,” “Island in the Sun,” and “Jump in the Line.” “Banana Boat Song,” one of his most popular songs, is based on traditional Jamaican folk music. His arrangement of the theatrical number “Day-O” earned him a 1957 Grammy for Calypso Album of the Year. Belafonte also wrote a song entitled “Mama Look a Boo Boo,” which was inspired by his Jamaican culture.
Legacy of Belafonte
Belafonte’s most successful album, “Calypso” (1956), was the first to achieve platinum status and sold over a million copies. He is celebrated for changing the face of its calypso music and is credited as a forerunner of “world music.” His musical style has become an integral part of popular culture, referenced in works ranging from theatre, to film, to television.
Belafonte was known for using his music to promote social justice and civil rights issues in the United States and the Caribbean. He was active in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders in the fight for justice. His song “In Times Like These” was featured in the documentary “In the Heat of the Night,” a story about a black man’s experiences with racism. Belafonte has also spoken out against racial injustice, the mistreatment of native people in the United States, and the Chilean dictatorship.
Belafonte’s Role in Pop Culture
Belafonte’s influence on popular culture has been long-lasting and pervasive. His generous support of the cultural arts, along with his well-known activism, have made him an icon across generations. He has been referenced in the works of many popular artists, from Taylor Swift to Fugees. He also made an appearance in the animated movie, “Shrek Forever After,” as King Harold.
In 2018, he was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His career has spanned over six decades, and his music and humanitarian activism remain relevant and celebrated today. Belafonte will continue to be a source of inspiration and admiration for generations to come.
Belafonte’s Influence on Music
Belafonte’s artistic legacy continues to live on through his many musical influences. He released more than 50 albums during his career, which showcased a wide range of musical styles, from folk to calypso to jazz. Belafonte is also widely credited for introducing calypso music to Western audiences. He also helped catapult the career of The Weavers, a folk-revival quartet who were influential in the emergence of popular and crossover music. Belafonte’s influence on the world’s musical landscape is evident in the works of several generations of singers and songwriters.
Belafonte’s success and influence can be attributed to his unique ability to blend different genres of music together, with calypso and Caribbean rhythms at the forefront. His fusion of reggae and jazz inspired later genres, such as dub and dancehall, while his Latin-infused calypso music was an early precursor to Caribbean sounds that are popular today, including soca and reggaeton. Belafonte will always be remembered for his significant contributions to popular music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harry Belafonte was a globally renowned singer and songwriter who proved to be highly influential over generations of music-makers. He is best known for popularizing calypso music with hit songs such as “Banana Boat Song,” “Lemon Tree,” and “Island in the Sun.” Belafonte also made his mark on popular culture, with his music and activism being referenced in various works from film to television. His influence on the world’s musical landscape is widely recognized, as his unique fusion of styles and genres paved the way for future generations of singers and songwriters. Harry Belafonte will always remain an influential and inspiring figure, who made a lasting impact on popular music.
