Harry Belafonte died today at the age of 96.

From CNN reporting:

Belafonte was dubbed the “King of Calypso” after the groundbreaking success of his 1956 hit, “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O).” He also became a movie star after acting in the film adaption of the Broadway musical, “Carmen Jones.” But Belafonte’s biggest contributions took place offstage. He was a key strategist, fundraiser, and mediator for the civil rights movement. He continually risked his entertainment career – and at least once his life – for his activism. He became a close friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who often retired to Belafonte’s palatial New York apartment to talk strategy or escape the pressures of leading the civil rights movement.

My Uncle Earnie was a professional guitarist who played with many celebrities including Tony Bennet and Harry Belafonte, pictured here in attendance at his wedding to his second wife, Barbara Massey.

Barbara started her career as a backing vocalist working with Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and Cat Stevens. Together with Ernie, they produced one album called “Prelude To…”