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My Song: A Memoir
Harry Belafonte is not just one of the greatest entertainers of our time; he has led one of the great American lives of the last century. Now, this extraordinary icon tells us the story of that life, giving us its full breadth, letting us share in the struggles, the tragedies, and, most of all, the inspiring triumphs.
Belafonte grew up, poverty-ridden, in Harlem and Jamaica. His mother was a complex woman—caring but withdrawn, eternally angry and rarely satisfied. His father was distant and physically abusive. It was not an easy life, but it instilled in young Harry the hard-nosed toughness of the city and the resilient spirit of the Caribbean lifestyle. It also gave him the drive to make good and channel his anger into actions that were positive and life-affirming. His journey led to the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he encountered an onslaught of racism but also fell in love with the woman he eventually married. After the war he moved back to Harlem, where he drifted between odd jobs until he saw his first stage play—and found the life he wanted to lead. Theater opened up a whole new world, one that was artistic and political and made him realize that not only did he have a need to express himself, he had a lot to express.
He began as an actor—and has always thought of himself as such—but was quickly spotted in a musical, began a tentative nightclub career, and soon was on a meteoric rise to become one of the world’s most popular singers. Belafonte was never content to simply be an entertainer, however. Even at enormous personal cost, he could not shy away from activism. At first it was a question of personal dignity: breaking down racial barriers that had never been broken before, achieving an enduring popularity with both white and black audiences. Then his activism broadened to a lifelong, passionate involvement at the heart of the civil rights movement and countless other political and social causes. The sections on the rise of the civil rights movement are perhaps the most moving in the book: his close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr.; his role as a conduit between Dr. King and the Kennedys; his up-close involvement with the demonstrations and awareness of the hatred and potential violence around him; his devastation at Dr. King’s death and his continuing fight for what he believes is right.
But My Song is far more than the history of a movement. It is a very personal look at the people in that movement and the world in which Belafonte has long moved. He has befriended many beloved and important figures in both entertainment and politics—Paul Robeson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sidney Poitier, John F. Kennedy, Marlon Brando, Robert Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton—and writes about them with the same exceptional candor with which he reveals himself on every page. This is a book that pulls no punches, and turns both a loving and critical eye on our country’s cultural past.
As both an artist and an activist, Belafonte has touched countless lives. With My Song, he has found yet another way to entertain and inspire us. It is an electrifying memoir from a remarkable man.
Belafonte grew up, poverty-ridden, in Harlem and Jamaica. His mother was a complex woman—caring but withdrawn, eternally angry and rarely satisfied. His father was distant and physically abusive. It was not an easy life, but it instilled in young Harry the hard-nosed toughness of the city and the resilient spirit of the Caribbean lifestyle. It also gave him the drive to make good and channel his anger into actions that were positive and life-affirming. His journey led to the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he encountered an onslaught of racism but also fell in love with the woman he eventually married. After the war he moved back to Harlem, where he drifted between odd jobs until he saw his first stage play—and found the life he wanted to lead. Theater opened up a whole new world, one that was artistic and political and made him realize that not only did he have a need to express himself, he had a lot to express.
He began as an actor—and has always thought of himself as such—but was quickly spotted in a musical, began a tentative nightclub career, and soon was on a meteoric rise to become one of the world’s most popular singers. Belafonte was never content to simply be an entertainer, however. Even at enormous personal cost, he could not shy away from activism. At first it was a question of personal dignity: breaking down racial barriers that had never been broken before, achieving an enduring popularity with both white and black audiences. Then his activism broadened to a lifelong, passionate involvement at the heart of the civil rights movement and countless other political and social causes. The sections on the rise of the civil rights movement are perhaps the most moving in the book: his close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr.; his role as a conduit between Dr. King and the Kennedys; his up-close involvement with the demonstrations and awareness of the hatred and potential violence around him; his devastation at Dr. King’s death and his continuing fight for what he believes is right.
But My Song is far more than the history of a movement. It is a very personal look at the people in that movement and the world in which Belafonte has long moved. He has befriended many beloved and important figures in both entertainment and politics—Paul Robeson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sidney Poitier, John F. Kennedy, Marlon Brando, Robert Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton—and writes about them with the same exceptional candor with which he reveals himself on every page. This is a book that pulls no punches, and turns both a loving and critical eye on our country’s cultural past.
As both an artist and an activist, Belafonte has touched countless lives. With My Song, he has found yet another way to entertain and inspire us. It is an electrifying memoir from a remarkable man.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2011
133 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
Harry Belafonte
54 books11 followersHarold George Belafonte, noted American musician, known as "Harry," gained a worldwide audience for Calypso with "The Banana Boat Song" in 1957 and also outspokenly supported civil rights and humanitarian causes.
This Jamaican singer, actor popularized with international audiences in the 1950s. Calypso , breakthrough album of this a single artist, first sold a million long-playing phonographic records.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_B...
This Jamaican singer, actor popularized with international audiences in the 1950s. Calypso , breakthrough album of this a single artist, first sold a million long-playing phonographic records.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
August 1, 2020
Update: In a recent interview in Pittsburgh, Harry Belafonte warned “Hitler is not too far from our door.” This notion is no longer overblown hyperbole. Belafonte had a gift of prescience about political trends his entire life, as his autobiography proved over and over again.
Original Review
For those who have read Taylor Branch's trilogy on the history of the civil rights movement, My Song is an excellent and uplifting book that illuminates much more than the story of one man's contribution to our nation's history. And for those who aren't familiar with Branch's work, reading My Song might compel you to read more about the history Belafonte helped shape.
It is wrong to categorize this autobiography among the self-indulgent "books" written by too many persons in the world of entertainment (I'm still scarred by the experience of trying to trudge through Quincy Jones' narcissistic love letter to himself and have avoided these types of books like the plague). Harry Belafonte is so much more than an entertainer. Indeed, as he makes clear throughout, his celebrity gave him the means to focus his anger about racism, Jim Crow, and injustice throughout the world in constructive ways that have changed our world for the better.
Belofonte was born at the right time. He engaged in the fundamental issues dear to him, was able to exploit his talents for the common good unlike any artist before, and inspired the activism of celebrities in later generations. And we should never forget his talent and devotion to making the music of struggle and hope available and relevant to us all. This autobiography elevates our knowledge about the stories behind so many of the fundamental struggles of our age. I've listened to my Belafonte records with a depth of appreciation I never understood fully until I read My Song.
Original Review
For those who have read Taylor Branch's trilogy on the history of the civil rights movement, My Song is an excellent and uplifting book that illuminates much more than the story of one man's contribution to our nation's history. And for those who aren't familiar with Branch's work, reading My Song might compel you to read more about the history Belafonte helped shape.
It is wrong to categorize this autobiography among the self-indulgent "books" written by too many persons in the world of entertainment (I'm still scarred by the experience of trying to trudge through Quincy Jones' narcissistic love letter to himself and have avoided these types of books like the plague). Harry Belafonte is so much more than an entertainer. Indeed, as he makes clear throughout, his celebrity gave him the means to focus his anger about racism, Jim Crow, and injustice throughout the world in constructive ways that have changed our world for the better.
Belofonte was born at the right time. He engaged in the fundamental issues dear to him, was able to exploit his talents for the common good unlike any artist before, and inspired the activism of celebrities in later generations. And we should never forget his talent and devotion to making the music of struggle and hope available and relevant to us all. This autobiography elevates our knowledge about the stories behind so many of the fundamental struggles of our age. I've listened to my Belafonte records with a depth of appreciation I never understood fully until I read My Song.
January 26, 2012
I knew that Harry Belafonte had an incredible voice, but I did not know that he was best friends with MLK, tight with JFK and RFK, and basically used his apartment in Manhattan as a meeting place for the major players of the civil rights movement. If I had to put this book into percentages, based on how much covered music and how much covered his various political causes, I'd say 15% was devoted to music and the rest to politics. This man had a direct hand in freeing Nelson Mandela! The only downside to the book is that there is so much detail - he's in his mid-eighties now - and his ego is so large that the book almost becomes confusing because he's involved in about 3 or 4 different civil rights fronts at the same time. I'm glad I read this and I still think the vocals on the original "Sylvie" are some of the best I've ever heard come out of anyone's mouth - male or female - but, I think I his editor should have tried to tighten this one up just a titch...maybe keep it under 400 pages. Eh, what do I know? Here I am rambling again...
July 17, 2019
(Kindle)
"Ultimately, it isn't so important how long you live. The important thing is how well you live."
--Martin Luther King Jr. (pg 325)
The amount of respect and admiration that I have for Harry Belafonte has grown exponentially after reading his autobiography.
Belafonte provides a mature, thoughtful retrospective of his career both in music/acting and political activism.
"I see the little boy I was, in all his complexities, angry and hurt, almost always alone. Yet why this little boy, among all others, should use his anger to push himself up, make a name for himself, and then make it his mission to smash racial barriers and injustice with such grim determination, I'm not sure I can say.
"Perhaps, in the end, where you anger comes from is less important than what you do with it."
Following WWII, Belafonte uses his GI bill funds and starts his career taking acting classes. This is a magical period in Hollywood and New York entertainment history. He finds himself in a group of wannabe actors that includes Marlon Brando, Walter Matthau, Bea Arthur, Elaine Stritch, Wally Cox and Tony Curtis. Each of these early acting schools and experiences become foundation friends that Belefonte would stay in touch with and engage in civil rights and humanitarian causes throughout their lives.
While I know Harry Belafonte first as a singer, his passion was for acting. "Drama was serious; it was a tool to speak truth to power, to change society and especially to show the folly of war." The late 40's was a struggle for serious black actors, where limited parts made it even harder to make a living. One of his friends suggested that Harry pick up an extra paycheck by filling in singing between at intermissions at a local club. Not thinking of himself as a singer, he was reluctant, but finally agrees. His first gig was nerve wracking until he realized several jazz greats were slipping into position behind him to play back up. Harry was astonished that Al Haig, Tommy Potter, Max Roach and Charlie Parker would volunteer to be back up for an unknown 21 year old singer. This amazing act of generosity made an impression on Harry, even as it launched his career as a singer. Repeatedly through is life, Harry would go out of his way to generously help up and coming singers and talent.
Harry's mother, a complicated woman, set very high standards for Harry when it came to having a purpose in life. "My mother had told me to wake up every morning and known how I'd wage the fight against injustice." The power of high expectations, moral purpose and early childhood longing for approval from his single parent mother became fuel for an incredible lifetime of work for civil rights, economic justice and world peace.
I learned that Harry was a major funder and fundraiser for civil rights work in the 60's. Out of his own pocket, and sometimes when he couldn't really afford it, he raised bail for jailed civil rights protesters. There's a harrowing tale of when he called up Sidney Poitier for some emergency action in the middle of the night--and the two of them went into a very dicey situation to deliver funds to civil rights protesters in the deep south. I'm surprised after this event that Sidney ever took his calls again.
What struck me as Harry shares the story of the civil rights movement is not only his first hand perspective of events and famous names, but his understanding of his role as an individual who must do something; and that individual does not speak for any contingency. He facilitated important meetings, he brought great minds together, he challenged pragmatic thinkers to find their moral compass, he wasn't afraid to ASK, to ask for help, to ask for action, to ask for the impossible--but it wasn't about Harry Belefonte. Ever. He knew it was about causes.
That's an interesting and mature perspective. So easily, one can slip into demagoguery--but Harry seems to have understood and respected his own self worth. He was scared at times. He did stupid things at times. He admits to failures as a husband and father--yet through all of this, his actions are in alignment with his moral core. Harry is human with great compassion and care for humanity--all humanity.
This is a powerful book. It informs younger generations about the reality of the civil rights movement, what it took to change Jim Crow laws, to fight for justice. Its eerie relevance to the fight against racism blossoming up once again makes it very clear that racism was never gone, it just went underground. What it will take to bring out country back to a moral center is intimidating. Do we have the where with all to do what Harry's generation did? Do we have the courage, the commitment? How can we NOT? What other choice do we have?
RECOMMEND
RECOMMEND
RECOMMEND
Read it now.
"Ultimately, it isn't so important how long you live. The important thing is how well you live."
--Martin Luther King Jr. (pg 325)
The amount of respect and admiration that I have for Harry Belafonte has grown exponentially after reading his autobiography.
Belafonte provides a mature, thoughtful retrospective of his career both in music/acting and political activism.
"I see the little boy I was, in all his complexities, angry and hurt, almost always alone. Yet why this little boy, among all others, should use his anger to push himself up, make a name for himself, and then make it his mission to smash racial barriers and injustice with such grim determination, I'm not sure I can say.
"Perhaps, in the end, where you anger comes from is less important than what you do with it."
Following WWII, Belafonte uses his GI bill funds and starts his career taking acting classes. This is a magical period in Hollywood and New York entertainment history. He finds himself in a group of wannabe actors that includes Marlon Brando, Walter Matthau, Bea Arthur, Elaine Stritch, Wally Cox and Tony Curtis. Each of these early acting schools and experiences become foundation friends that Belefonte would stay in touch with and engage in civil rights and humanitarian causes throughout their lives.
While I know Harry Belafonte first as a singer, his passion was for acting. "Drama was serious; it was a tool to speak truth to power, to change society and especially to show the folly of war." The late 40's was a struggle for serious black actors, where limited parts made it even harder to make a living. One of his friends suggested that Harry pick up an extra paycheck by filling in singing between at intermissions at a local club. Not thinking of himself as a singer, he was reluctant, but finally agrees. His first gig was nerve wracking until he realized several jazz greats were slipping into position behind him to play back up. Harry was astonished that Al Haig, Tommy Potter, Max Roach and Charlie Parker would volunteer to be back up for an unknown 21 year old singer. This amazing act of generosity made an impression on Harry, even as it launched his career as a singer. Repeatedly through is life, Harry would go out of his way to generously help up and coming singers and talent.
Harry's mother, a complicated woman, set very high standards for Harry when it came to having a purpose in life. "My mother had told me to wake up every morning and known how I'd wage the fight against injustice." The power of high expectations, moral purpose and early childhood longing for approval from his single parent mother became fuel for an incredible lifetime of work for civil rights, economic justice and world peace.
I learned that Harry was a major funder and fundraiser for civil rights work in the 60's. Out of his own pocket, and sometimes when he couldn't really afford it, he raised bail for jailed civil rights protesters. There's a harrowing tale of when he called up Sidney Poitier for some emergency action in the middle of the night--and the two of them went into a very dicey situation to deliver funds to civil rights protesters in the deep south. I'm surprised after this event that Sidney ever took his calls again.
What struck me as Harry shares the story of the civil rights movement is not only his first hand perspective of events and famous names, but his understanding of his role as an individual who must do something; and that individual does not speak for any contingency. He facilitated important meetings, he brought great minds together, he challenged pragmatic thinkers to find their moral compass, he wasn't afraid to ASK, to ask for help, to ask for action, to ask for the impossible--but it wasn't about Harry Belefonte. Ever. He knew it was about causes.
That's an interesting and mature perspective. So easily, one can slip into demagoguery--but Harry seems to have understood and respected his own self worth. He was scared at times. He did stupid things at times. He admits to failures as a husband and father--yet through all of this, his actions are in alignment with his moral core. Harry is human with great compassion and care for humanity--all humanity.
This is a powerful book. It informs younger generations about the reality of the civil rights movement, what it took to change Jim Crow laws, to fight for justice. Its eerie relevance to the fight against racism blossoming up once again makes it very clear that racism was never gone, it just went underground. What it will take to bring out country back to a moral center is intimidating. Do we have the where with all to do what Harry's generation did? Do we have the courage, the commitment? How can we NOT? What other choice do we have?
RECOMMEND
RECOMMEND
RECOMMEND
Read it now.
April 10, 2012
I picked up this book because the ladies in my family have always loved Harry Belafonte and because I had just seen him on “CBS Sunday Morning” the same week I had coincidentally watched his episode of “The Muppet Show”. I am ashamed to admit how much I didn’t know about Harry Belafonte. His account of the civil rights movement, which comprises about half of the book, was so detailed that I finally was able to have a working chronology in my head. Before reading this book I knew all of the events but couldn’t make a coherent story out of them. His involvement and commitment to the cause is simply stunning, and humbling. I admire his outspoken views on politics, such as his kind words for Fidel Castro and favorable views on Hugo Chavez (despite getting used by the guy for publicity). I imagine Belafonte will lose as many fans as he will gain with some of these sentiments. I admire his candor when discussing his frustration with the early Kennedy administration, the rightward drift of Martin Luther King’s family, and his disappointment in today’s black leaders regardless of their political affiliation. Because of the depth of his commitment to political causes and the breadth of his experiences, Belafonte presents with a highly nuanced view of history. He relates how he could see MLK’s SCLC was growing staid by the mid-sixties and was not getting the same results as the SNCC organization. Yet he is ultimately unimpressed with Stokely Charmichael’s exile to Guinea and even doubts Miriam Makeba’s moral compass while married to Charmichael and involved with dictator Ahmed Sékou Touré. Belafonte returns frequently to the subject of Bobby Kennedy, as the two had countless exchanges about the civil rights movement during RFK’s tenure as Attorney General. Belafonte portrays Bobby first as a coldly calculating guard to JFK who hopes that the civil rights movement will somehow blow over, but who gradually becomes enlightened and not only caves to the movement’s pressure but actually becomes aligned in his heart with the cause. People who Harry speaks highly of: Dorothy Dandridge (an unrequited love), Marlon Brando (presented as a talented rascal rather than a difficult genius), Joan Fontaine (courageous actress), Roger Moore (a great gambling buddy). Belafonte writes with compassion about Sammy Davis Jr.’s difficult position in the Rat Pack and Hollywood in general, but he does not hold back his disapproval for the choices Sammy made. Aside from the early Kennedys and George W. Bush, Belafonte tends to be more critical of black celebrities and politicians. He feels that anyone who tows their party’s line or who is willing to settle for second best is a sellout to varying degrees, even if that person becomes the first black actor to win an Oscar. There is a lot of push and pull in his relationship with Sidney Poitier, who came up through the American Negro Theater at the same time and who, in the beginning of his film career, took many of the roles Belafonte declined. Belafonte admires the space that Poitier eventually carved out for himself in Hollywood, but cannot see himself making the same compromises that made it possible. I also have a great appreciation for autobiographies where the writer reflects on their children and what they could have done differently. Belafonte understands the complicated messages about race that his four children (two with his black first wife with bourgeois-minded parents and two with his second wife, a Caucasian actress/activist) received and internalized, and how they enacted these messages in their choices of mates. He also demonstrates great insight into how his name/fame affected them, and what he can still do to help them while encouraging them to find their complete independence.
November 15, 2016
Excellent book. I've been listening to Belafonte all my life (my parents were huge fans and had all his records) and I knew he was an activist, but I had no idea how MUCH of an activist he's been. He was a good friend of Martin Luther King's, not just as a financial donor, but as an integral part of the team. He knew and worked with everybody. I also hadn't known that he started as an actor--I thought he'd made some films once he became a musical star. This book seemed very honest in detailing his not-so-great human failings as well. A year or so ago I saw a wonderful interview he had with Carlos Santana and was very impressed with the values and principles of them both, and this book really deepened my appreciation of him. So much more than Day-o!!
January 4, 2023
There’s a lot of history and a lot of ego.
November 11, 2011
How many people can say that they were friends with, Dr. W.E.B Dubois, Paul Robeson, Paul Newman, Tony Bennett, Tony Curtis, Frank Sinatra & the rat pack,Marlon Brando Nelson Mandela & Dr. Matin Luther King? Mr.Belafonte Memoir not tells the story of a man who rose from Harlem to the height of world wide fame it also tells the story of the civil rights movement in this country, and the story of Hollywood as seen and lived it first hand. He talks about his victories & defeats in his personal life, activist life, and career life. After the autobiographies of Malcolm X & Miles Davis this is my third favorite and in my mind the third best one of all time. This is the best book I have read all year.
December 19, 2014
This book is compelling. I love the style it is written in, like he is talking to you. I admire how Belafonte lived up to his morals in the performance world even when it was hard to do financially. It talks of the racism he experienced, as well as the wonders of his life.
Harry Belafonte's Calypso was one of my favorite records when I was four, and now I know why. He was incredibly popular at the time and many people had his record including my father. I remember that red cover too.
I'm going to make up a dance to one of his songs to teach to my preschool/kindergarten class to carry on the tradition of enjoying his music while young.
Harry Belafonte's Calypso was one of my favorite records when I was four, and now I know why. He was incredibly popular at the time and many people had his record including my father. I remember that red cover too.
I'm going to make up a dance to one of his songs to teach to my preschool/kindergarten class to carry on the tradition of enjoying his music while young.
February 1, 2012
This was pretty interesting history. I learned much about civil rights and the fight in the south, which Belafonte bankrolled much of. I admire his zeal for his projects, concerns, politics. Big ego, though. By the final disk, the ego is SO big and the politics so unreasonably partisan, that any kind thoughts I'd been developing were about lopped away. When a 70 year old, married to the same woman for 48 years decides it's all wrong, that's an ego. He really lost me with ridiculously extreme comments about Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and George Bush. He isn't too thrilled with Obama, either (probably because he doesn't have his ear!) but stated it much more "democratically."
February 20, 2017
I absolutely LOVED learning about Harry Belafonte's significant financial contributions - both personal and collaborative to the Civil Rights Movement as well as many other global social justice movements. His selfless dedication, behind the scenes activism and use of his "celebrity status" to further his humanitarian work is riveting to say the least. Inspired by friendships with Martin Luther King Jr., Paul Robeson, Marlon Brando and his unique on again/ off again kinship with Sidney Poitier and Bobby Kennedy are highlighted throughout the story and shed light into his fascinating story. Highly Recommend!
March 21, 2017
What a life…what a journey…
A very moving trip through the life of one of the most influential entertainers in history…! I knew some of the story, but I had no idea how much I didn’t know, and how important Harry was to the entire Civil Rights movement, and how decorated he was as a singer and entertainer. If there was anyone else who provided as much financial assistance, and support to the movement, I would really like to read their book…
Of course nobody is perfect, and politics is politics, but Harry’s mark on history is undeniable, and his life’s story is truly remarkable…!
To Harry – Thank-you…
A very moving trip through the life of one of the most influential entertainers in history…! I knew some of the story, but I had no idea how much I didn’t know, and how important Harry was to the entire Civil Rights movement, and how decorated he was as a singer and entertainer. If there was anyone else who provided as much financial assistance, and support to the movement, I would really like to read their book…
Of course nobody is perfect, and politics is politics, but Harry’s mark on history is undeniable, and his life’s story is truly remarkable…!
To Harry – Thank-you…
August 16, 2019
You can't go wrong with such an in depth book on the life of a legend, written by the legend. I had no idea how big of a star Harry Belafonte was, but he was a big deal on stage as well as behind the scenes of the civil rights movement and a myriad of other important causes. I appreciated his honesty about his struggles with anger throughout his life, and even his little insights into other stars and activists of his time. He's gotten pretty bold in his later years in terms of criticizing major figures in our society, but having been through it all, he's earned his say.
April 13, 2012
This is a memoir of a political activist who also happens to be a highly successful entertainer. It was a fascinating, well-written history lesson. I was surprised how Belafonte only reluctantly became a singer and how many people whose lives he touched. He has given his time and money to causes he believes in and I have great admiration and respect for him.
February 19, 2022
My Song (also in paperback and on kindle) is not just a celebrity memoir —it goes far beyond that. It is a behind-the-scenes personal history of prejudice against blacks in 1950s and '60s America and of the civil rights movement in that second decade.
Harry Belafonte's easy-going, warm way with audiences, his good looks and voice, and the passionate way he projected character when he sang, all made him a super star by the early 1950s. But throughout the book, we see how he used his popularity (and wits) like a battling ram to fight racial prejudice and barriers. We also see what many don’t know about him even today—his deep involvement in the civil rights movement both personally and financially. This 2011 memoir actually continues that involvement as it describes the shocking incidents of discrimination he experienced—and also, often, his later getting “payback.” For example, the doorman at the Copacabana, the fabulous New York night club who, surely following policy, turned away a seventeen-year-old Harry, then a U.S. sailor on leave with his date as white couples were ushered in. Years later, Harry refused to extend his hugely popular (and thus profitable) show at the Copacabana, telling the owner of the incident. The owner subsequently smashed dishes in the kitchen in anger and frustration.
The memoir also throws some light on Sidney Poitier, always less radical than Harry. After the King assassination, Sidney opposed Harry’s proposed huge vigil in Atlanta, finally “effectively kill[ing]” the idea. In the 1980s he backed out of an agreement to play Nelson Mandela in a movie project Harry had spent much of the decade planning, thus also killing that project. Perhaps Harry’s “payback,” besides describing these events, is the memoir’s opening chapter: in a semi-humorous way, reminiscent of Hemingway’s descriptions of Scott Fitzgerald in A Moveable Feast, he describes Sidney's fear and panic during their trip together to Greenwood, Mississippi in 1964 (at Harry's insistence) to carry cash funds to endangered civil rights volunteers. (Yet Harry and Sidney, in spite of periods of alienation, ultimately remained friends.)
The book’s “with” author, Martin Shnayerson, deserves much credit for his work on the book—getting the amazing stories down on paper, editing them with Harry, and making it Harry's voice throughout. My Song, like Harry himself, is a gem; it should be read, especially NOW. Its many descriptions of cruel racial prejudice, in light of what is happening today, will, I hope, help keep us from sinking back into those dark days of American history.
Harry Belafonte's easy-going, warm way with audiences, his good looks and voice, and the passionate way he projected character when he sang, all made him a super star by the early 1950s. But throughout the book, we see how he used his popularity (and wits) like a battling ram to fight racial prejudice and barriers. We also see what many don’t know about him even today—his deep involvement in the civil rights movement both personally and financially. This 2011 memoir actually continues that involvement as it describes the shocking incidents of discrimination he experienced—and also, often, his later getting “payback.” For example, the doorman at the Copacabana, the fabulous New York night club who, surely following policy, turned away a seventeen-year-old Harry, then a U.S. sailor on leave with his date as white couples were ushered in. Years later, Harry refused to extend his hugely popular (and thus profitable) show at the Copacabana, telling the owner of the incident. The owner subsequently smashed dishes in the kitchen in anger and frustration.
The memoir also throws some light on Sidney Poitier, always less radical than Harry. After the King assassination, Sidney opposed Harry’s proposed huge vigil in Atlanta, finally “effectively kill[ing]” the idea. In the 1980s he backed out of an agreement to play Nelson Mandela in a movie project Harry had spent much of the decade planning, thus also killing that project. Perhaps Harry’s “payback,” besides describing these events, is the memoir’s opening chapter: in a semi-humorous way, reminiscent of Hemingway’s descriptions of Scott Fitzgerald in A Moveable Feast, he describes Sidney's fear and panic during their trip together to Greenwood, Mississippi in 1964 (at Harry's insistence) to carry cash funds to endangered civil rights volunteers. (Yet Harry and Sidney, in spite of periods of alienation, ultimately remained friends.)
The book’s “with” author, Martin Shnayerson, deserves much credit for his work on the book—getting the amazing stories down on paper, editing them with Harry, and making it Harry's voice throughout. My Song, like Harry himself, is a gem; it should be read, especially NOW. Its many descriptions of cruel racial prejudice, in light of what is happening today, will, I hope, help keep us from sinking back into those dark days of American history.
August 8, 2023
Harry Belafonte had extraordinary talent and a journey that connected him to some amazing people. Like all of us, he’s a paradox—an odd mix of insight, curiosity, ego, generosity, anger, angst, optimism, judgment, clarity, empathy, short-sightedness, and pettiness.
Half the time, I was in awe; the other half, I was thinking that there really is such a thing as too much candidness. And I believe in candor and also I believe as a society we too often sanitize and sanctify people. I also know sometimes it’s all about how you deliver that candor, especially if said candor is going to be in print—because that’s for keeps.
Stepping back to view this as a book and how well-executed that book is, I’m going to go with 4 stars. I think there are some points that are repetitive, though it’s not like editors are as scrupulous about word count with celebrities. And there are some real gems of stories.
With history—and this book covers almost eighty years—it’s almost impossible to go either entirely chronological or entirely topical. You just have to merge the two, even though that means taking the reader forward to a point, then back to pick up on another thread, and forward again. I felt like particularly in the last half of this book, that was not always as effective as it could be, though it’s just very hard to cover eighty-ish years and then you add in knowing basically everyone. The man had been driven around by Eleanor Roosevelt and met Fidel Castro while he (Belafonte, not Castro,) was wearing only jockey shorts.
And he was extraordinarily generous. (You don’t have to trust me—he’ll tell you.) Which is the funny thing…in some ways I think Belafonte was the tallyman he sang of, especially inclined to remember that tally if you turned out to not be all that he hoped you would be…which is kind of what happened to me with Belafonte. I liked him so much more before I read the book.
Half the time, I was in awe; the other half, I was thinking that there really is such a thing as too much candidness. And I believe in candor and also I believe as a society we too often sanitize and sanctify people. I also know sometimes it’s all about how you deliver that candor, especially if said candor is going to be in print—because that’s for keeps.
Stepping back to view this as a book and how well-executed that book is, I’m going to go with 4 stars. I think there are some points that are repetitive, though it’s not like editors are as scrupulous about word count with celebrities. And there are some real gems of stories.
With history—and this book covers almost eighty years—it’s almost impossible to go either entirely chronological or entirely topical. You just have to merge the two, even though that means taking the reader forward to a point, then back to pick up on another thread, and forward again. I felt like particularly in the last half of this book, that was not always as effective as it could be, though it’s just very hard to cover eighty-ish years and then you add in knowing basically everyone. The man had been driven around by Eleanor Roosevelt and met Fidel Castro while he (Belafonte, not Castro,) was wearing only jockey shorts.
And he was extraordinarily generous. (You don’t have to trust me—he’ll tell you.) Which is the funny thing…in some ways I think Belafonte was the tallyman he sang of, especially inclined to remember that tally if you turned out to not be all that he hoped you would be…which is kind of what happened to me with Belafonte. I liked him so much more before I read the book.
June 28, 2023
A fascinating recounting of not only his life in show business but also his involvement in the civil rights movement and other social justice movements (e.g., labor, anti-apartheid, famine relief). I lopped off a star because his ego was all too blatantly on display and his frequent name-dropping irked me. Indeed, I was so dubious about his claims of being so all-important in the civil rights movement that I pulled up Taylor Branch's Parting the Waters: Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement 1954-63 and searched for Belafonte's name. While I haven't yet the book, I read the first dozen or so of the 139 results and concluded that Belafonte probably really was as important as he thought. So I apologize, Mr. Belafonte, for having doubted you.
And I really do need to read Taylor Branch...
And I really do need to read Taylor Branch...
June 9, 2023
Belafonte’s memoir, written with Michael Shnayerson, is a wonderful portrait of a life well lived. It’s all here—from an impoverished childhood in Jamaica and Brooklyn through his breakthrough success as an entertainer, his work on the front lines of the Civil Rights movement, global efforts to defeat Apartheid in South Africa, and much more. Highly entertaining and an insider’s perspective on many key moments and movements in 20th and 21st century American history.
April 29, 2019
I had no idea how important Harry Belafonte was to the advancement of civil rights.
Do read this and learn about his international and interracial influence, support, and inspiration.
Do read this and learn about his international and interracial influence, support, and inspiration.
August 10, 2019
This is a fantastic memoir. For your honesty, thank you!
May 1, 2024
Learned so much about Harry in this one! He was BFFs with MLK! And he was a prominent civil rights figure. Learned more about civil rights from this book than I did from school.
September 26, 2022
I am so glad I found this book at my local library. I had heard of Harry Belafonte, but was not all that familiar with him. His life story is inspiring and beautifully co-authored by Michael Shnayerson. As you accompany Belafonte in his life, you will indeed see that he also was "A Man For All Seasons". His story is 443 pages, but prepare to be swept along through the Civil Rights movement, his ascent to the top of his fame and the heart-breaking assassinations and riots of the 60's. I heartily recommend this book.
January 6, 2019
I read this, hoping it would focus on Belafonte’s work as a Civil Rights activist and I was not disappointed. He doesn’t hold back from criticism, even of his friends and associates.
June 11, 2023
Extraordinary person, extraordinary life, extraordinary memoir.
April 10, 2023
I will say right away that this is one of my favorite books of all time. I knew of Harry Belafonte as a singer and actor when I was younger, but it wasn't until much later that I learned of his activism and dedication to social causes. This is why I wanted to read "My Song" and I was not disappointed.
There is so much to his life story that it easily could be the story of multiple people. I never realized how close he was to Martin Luther King, Jr. and how active he was in the civil rights movement. I like Mr. Belafonte's story telling and the fact that he is quite hard on himself at times. He points out his flaws and failures as much as he does his successes. This honesty and acknowledgement allows me to see a human being in his entirety.
My only criticism of the book is that the last 20-25 years of his life is covered pretty quickly.
He ends the book with "I believe that my time was a remarkable one. I am aware that we now live in a world overrun by cruelty and destruction, and as our earth disintegrates and our spirits numb, we lose moral purpose and creative vision. But still I must believe, as I always have, that our best times lie ahead, and that in the final analysis, along the way we shall be comforted by one another. That is my song." This is from a man that still has hope and faith in humanity even after all he has seen in almost 90 years. That way of thinking is why Mr. Belafonte is one of my heroes.
There is so much to his life story that it easily could be the story of multiple people. I never realized how close he was to Martin Luther King, Jr. and how active he was in the civil rights movement. I like Mr. Belafonte's story telling and the fact that he is quite hard on himself at times. He points out his flaws and failures as much as he does his successes. This honesty and acknowledgement allows me to see a human being in his entirety.
My only criticism of the book is that the last 20-25 years of his life is covered pretty quickly.
He ends the book with "I believe that my time was a remarkable one. I am aware that we now live in a world overrun by cruelty and destruction, and as our earth disintegrates and our spirits numb, we lose moral purpose and creative vision. But still I must believe, as I always have, that our best times lie ahead, and that in the final analysis, along the way we shall be comforted by one another. That is my song." This is from a man that still has hope and faith in humanity even after all he has seen in almost 90 years. That way of thinking is why Mr. Belafonte is one of my heroes.
December 12, 2016
I read this very long, and mostly very interesting, memoir as an antidote to our current political climate. Seeking inspiration from those who had endured injustice and struggled--successfully--to overcome it on a personal level, and change it on a political one, I found it, although it was sobering to realize how crucial money was to the success of the Civil Rights movement at every step of the way. Not unexpectedly, Belafonte's ego and sexism assert themselves throughout these pages. They are littered with every single accolade the man ever received, even minor compliments ("he once said I was the person he admired most..."). They contain one of the most sexist passages I've ever read ("Major Rose was a woman, all of thirty-three, extraordinarily beautiful, with coal-black eyes and high cheek bones who might just have posed for the cover of Vogue. And yet her young male soldiers snapped to attention with crisp salutes. Clearly she'd done something to deserve this respect, but we thought better than to ask what it was."). However, the detailed depiction of the times he lived through, the musical landscape, and how he overcame--or learned to manage--his own constant anger make it a very worthwhile read.
May 23, 2012
What interested me was that Belafonte's life involved major aspects of recent US history and politics, primarily the Civil Rights Movement through his relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr, and, to a lesser extent, the Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa. The reader is shown how politics becomes his primary concern over art. I like history, and so those aspects of the memoir drew me in.
I didn't care so much for the details of his personal life and relationships. I have no problem with people discussing their personal life, especially since that's what one expects in a memoir. I'm just disappointed with how the personal details left me liking him a bit less as person. That's a subjective response on my part, though, and I wouldn't expect other readers to consider that. Belafonte definitely names names in this book, though.
I didn't care so much for the details of his personal life and relationships. I have no problem with people discussing their personal life, especially since that's what one expects in a memoir. I'm just disappointed with how the personal details left me liking him a bit less as person. That's a subjective response on my part, though, and I wouldn't expect other readers to consider that. Belafonte definitely names names in this book, though.
March 6, 2014
Never let it be said that Harry Belafonte is a modest man! Certainly this memoir is interesting, but to me, only because of the time period in which he has lived and his participation in the Civil Rights movement. I have always loved Mr. Belafonte's music and have seen him perform in concert. He is an amazing performer and entertainer! However, to hear his version of history he is the unsung hero, the mover and shaker, behind the most powerful figures in the Civil Rights movement. I have no doubt that he was deeply involved and committed, but the egocentrism with which he tells his tale is incredibly off putting. Lord knows what would have happened if he hadn't been there to influence Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy! Love the music, but not impressed with the man. Diappointed!
October 19, 2014
I have to admit first: I did not finish this book. Of the 600 pages of the German issue I read 450 - and now I give up. I simply don't want to spend more time of my life with this book. I love the music of Mr. Belafonte and besides that mostly know him from films and telly appearances - where he never appeared to be very likeable to me but I thought I'd give his memoirs a try and maybe then I would become a true fan. But sadly - and this might be just the German translation - my hopes were not fulfilled though he had a very exciting life and the history of civil rights movement and everything he stood up for is great this book simply doesn't klick with me. Please don't allow this review to stop you from reading this book - give it a try. Maybe you'll get inspiration from it.
November 20, 2011
I think Harry was interested in giving the world the parts of his song, that most are unaware of. I was surprised to find how deeply involved he was in the civil rights movement. He committed both energy, time and money. Some of the stories he tells of those times are riveting and read like a novel. I think this memoir is well worth the investment, and you will come away impressed with his commitment to human justice. It is rare that stars risk their standing, but Harry did and surprisingly avoided any devastating consequences. You don't feel like he is holding much back and this makes for a rewarding journey.
March 31, 2012
A good book because it read easily and mostly very interesting. I didn't realize how much Mr. Belafonte was involved in the civil rights movements and continues to be involved in politics currently. He is very passionate and angry. It amazes me that he still doesn't think of himself as a singer!
Parts of the book were slow.. it seem to read like lists of how much and who donated what to what cause. I really liked the behind the scenes planning sessions and the glimpse of the human beings behind the headlines.. but we didn't get enough of that.
Parts of the book were slow.. it seem to read like lists of how much and who donated what to what cause. I really liked the behind the scenes planning sessions and the glimpse of the human beings behind the headlines.. but we didn't get enough of that.
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