I was very honored to be approved to open for Harry Belafonte at the Melody Tent in Hyannis, Massachusetts. My daughter Leah was backstage with me when Harry walked in. She loved his music and had recently watched the movie “Beetlejuice” which featured his song “Jump in Line” (Shake Shake Sonora). Leah was 9 years old at the time.
I introduced myself and Leah to Harry. He asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She hesitated a moment and said apologetically, “I don’t know.”
Smiling, Harry dropped to one knee, took both of her little hands into his, looked her right in the eye and said, “That’s WONDERFUL, because you have plenty of time!”
Five years later, I worked with him again at South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Massachusetts. My sister Linda was with me and we were sitting at a small, round table set up back stage for the crew to have dinner after sound check.
I never expected that Harry would leave his dressing room and come and eat with the crew, but he did… AND this particular night, he sat down right between me and Linda.
I said, “Mr. Belafonte, you probably don’t remember me, but I was your support act at the Melody Tent about 5 years ago.” He didn’t respond to me, but turned immediately to Linda and said, “I liked him then and I like him now.”
Watching Harry Belafonte perform on stage is pure magic. His musicianship and connection with his audience is always amazing, and I am so fortunate to have been a small part of his very big picture.
Check out his version of “Try To Remember” – This will only give you a small glimpse of the great man he truly is… Musical Brilliance.
Thank you Harry Belafonte…