Harry Belafonte is an influential American singer, songwriter, and actor, best known for popularizing calypso music in the 1950s. His style blends traditional Caribbean music with American pop, characterized by his smooth baritone voice and engaging storytelling. His most iconic work, the 1956 album "Calypso," included the hit "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and became the first LP to sell over a million copies. Belafonte's cultural significance extends beyond music, as he has been a prominent civil rights and humanitarian activist throughout his career.