Belafonte at Carnegie Hall cover

Belafonte at Carnegie Hall

Harry Belafonte · 1959

71 min · 15 tracks · folk · calypso

A vibrant tapestry of calypso rhythms and folk storytelling that captures the spirit of Caribbean culture.

Why this album works

This album is notable for its role in popularizing calypso music in America, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts and remaining influential for years. It was one of the first live albums to achieve widespread acclaim, demonstrating the potential of live recordings in the music industry.
Career context
Released on October 1, 1959, 'Belafonte at Carnegie Hall' came during Harry Belafonte's rise as a cultural icon following his breakthrough hit 'Day-O'. This live album showcased his ability to blend diverse musical influences, solidifying his status not just as a performer but also as a significant figure in promoting Caribbean music to mainstream audiences.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Introduction / Darlin' Cora 4:02
  • 2 Sylvie 4:55
  • 3 Cotton Fields Standout 4:17
  • 4 John Henry 5:11
  • 5 The Marching Saints 2:49
  • 6 Day-O Standout 3:40
  • 7 Jamaica Farewell Standout 5:09
  • 8 Mama Look a Boo Boo 5:23
  • 9 Come Back Liza 3:05
  • 10 Man Smart (Woman Smarter) 4:23
  • 11 Hava Nageela 4:03
  • 12 Danny Boy 5:20
  • 13 Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma 3:50
  • 14 Shenandoah 3:48
  • 15 Matilda 11:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata