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Tributes poured in for Black singer and activist Harry Belafonte, who died on Tuesday, April 25, at the age of 96. Here is a selection of quotes from around the world:
MUSIC
“If you think about what it means to be an artist and an activist, he was literally the epitome of what that was.”—singer John Legend, speaking at a Time magazine event
“Met Harry in 1948 and knew then he would be a huge star. More than that, he fought for social justice & equality and never, ever gave up.”—legendary crooner and Belafonte contemporary Tony Bennett
“Your passion, love, knowledge and respect for Africa was unlimited. You have helped and supported so many from Miriam Makeba to Martin Luther King. Your wisdom made me strong. Your music inspired me.—Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo
“Shining example of how to use your platform to make change in the world.”—musician and Oscar-winning filmmaker Questlove
“He was more than a singer, more than an actor and more than a man … Harry Belafonte will be missed.”—rapper Ice Cube
HOLLYWOOD
“May God Have My Dear Friend HARRY BELAFONTE At A Peaceful Rest. We Are Losing Our Giants Left And Right.”—director Spike Lee
“Another ‘GREAT TREE’ has fallen: Harry Belafonte, a Trailblazer and Hero to us all. Thank you for your music, your artistry, your activism, your fight for civil rights and justice—especially risking your life back in the day to get money to the movement.
