By Peggy Taylor
When I was a teen growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1950’s, and attending the church of Martin Luther King, my favorite pop singer was the California crooner, Johnny Mathis, whose “Chances Are,” “It’s Not for Me to Say,” and “The Twelfth of Never,” made me swoon.
Less so was Harry Belafonte, whose good looks, “Day-O” and “Mathilda” I admired, but who, compared to Mathis, only mildly impressed me even though he had sung at JFK’s inauguration, was the first artist to sell a million albums, and the first Black to win an Emmy Award.
As time went by, however, Belafonte replaced Mathis in my admiration as I learned that he had been one of Martin Luther King’s closest confidants, that he had bankrolled the Civil Rights Movement, that he had walked with King from Selma to Montgomery, and that he had been one of the chief strategists and organizers of the 1963 March on Washington.
So, when in June of 2012, I learned that he’d be signing his autobiography, My Song, at the Upper West Side Apple Store, I decided to attend as a way of honoring him. I’m so glad I did, because not only did he pose for a photo with me, I caught him in some authentic moments and exchanges with fans.
He will be missed by the many who listened to him over the decades. A wonderful singer, human and activist. And with so much charm. Find his famous songs on YouTube and listen.
A life very well lived. Good night, Harry. Bless you.
This is sooo cool. Thank you so much for sharing this precious story & photos.
You’re most welcome!
He was also a fine actor – check out the World the Flesh and the Devil from 1959. I plan to watch it tonight in honor of a great humanitarian/artist.
BESIDES BEING A GREAT ACTIVIST, A WONDERFUL SINGER AND ACTOR, HE COULD MOVE TO RIVAL FRED ASTAIRE IN ELEGANCE. SUBTLE, BEAUTIFUL DANCER.
Ms. Taylor, thank you for your memories and photos. You captured his kindness, respect, and integrity – what an amazing person. A model for us all.
Your appreciation is my reward for having kept these photos for all these years.
I used to play Belafonte’s first LP every day, the minute I got home from school. I knew nothing about him, but I loved the songs. His voice gave me happiness and courage. Thank you, well done, rest in peace. You are missed
Thank you Peggy Taylor . . . Loved hearing about our mutual love of Johnny Matthis and Harry Belafonte and most of all your connection with history and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I’m going to play the songs today.
Great voice.
Great looks.
Great heart.
Great positive mind.
The very best.
RIP prince of light.
Did anyone else see him touring open houses in the 2003-2004 era? We spent a lot of weekends looking for a 3 bedroom on the UWS during that time, and lo and behold if he wasn’t going and looking at all the same apartments.
We were practically on the same schedule. I never got up the courage to ask him if he was actually in the market (we weren’t looking at anything fancy). I think he just liked to go see what was on the market. RIP.