He also earned four of Emmy noms during his career.
When World War II broke out, he returned to New York and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
3 on the Billboard 200.
Harry BelafonteGetty Images
His next two LPs, both released in 1956, would top that chart:Belafontesat at No.
Belafontefeatured his signature tune, Banana Boat (Day-O), which was based on a Jamaican folk song.
5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1957 and No.
2 in the UK.
Marys Boy Child, fromCalypso,topped the UK singles chart and reached No.
12 in the U.S. His 1962 discThe Midnight Specialfeatured one Bob Dylan on harmonica, marking the future legends first officially released recording.
Belafonte was also instrumental in bringing African music stars such as Hugh Maskela and Miriam Makeba to the world.
While calypso was his signature sound, Belafonte also recorded gospel, American standards, blues and show tunes.
He was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the second American to hold the position.
Belafonte was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.
