I was very honored to be approved to open for Harry Belafonte at the melody tent in Hyannis Massachusetts. My daughter Leah was back stage with me when he came in. She loved his music and had recently watched the movie “ Beetleguese” which featured the song “Shake Sonora”. She 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.” Harry dropped to one knee took both of her little hands in his , made eye contact, smiled 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 sat down at a small round table set up back stage for the crew to have supper after sound check. I never expected Harry to leave his dressing room and come and eat with the crew, but he did! And he sat down between my sister and I. I said “Mr. Belafonte, you probably don’t remember me, but I was your support act at the Melody Tent 5 years ago.” He didn’t respond to me, but turned immediately to my sister and said, “I liked him then, and I like him now.”
You won’t see much better than Mr. Belafonte’s performance on stage. And even though his musicianship and connection with his audience is amazing ( check his version of “Try To Remember” https://youtu.be/iV4Ho_EsV3I) , what’s more amazing is that his performance only gives you a small glimpse of the man he is…..
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