Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte (1927-2023) was an American singer, actor and humanitarian. He popularized the calypso movement in the mid-1950s with hits such as "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," "Jamaica Farewell" and "Mama Look at Boo-Boo."

Belafonte has appeared with the Muppets on numerous occasions.

Although press from the time, including an article about Sesame Street in the January 1970 issue of Jack and Jill, mentions him among a listing of celebrities expected to appear on the show, he would not appear on the show until season 13.

Appearances

	1979	Guest star on The Muppet Show episode 314.
	1982	Sang "Coconut Counting Man" with the Count on Sesame Street (First: Episode 1692).
	1982	Sang "Mo Yet" on Sesame Street. (First: Episode 1700)
	1983	Told the kids a story about how the animals got their coats. (First: Episode 1833)
	1990	Performed "Turn the World Around" at Jim Henson's Memorial.
	1990	Spoke in tribute for the TV special The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson.
	1993	Wrote an introduction for the book Jim Henson: The Works.
	1994	Appeared in PBS-TV documentary The World of Jim Henson.
	1994	Filmed an insert for Sesame Street with Jamal that did not go to air. Also appeared in a photo for the show's 25th anniversary published in the December 1994 issue of Life magazine (and later on page 1 of Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street).
	1996	Contributed a "Corn Pudding" recipe for Miss Piggy's cookbook, In the Kitchen with Miss Piggy.
	1996	Was one of many celebrities in a celebrity montage rendition of "The Alphabet Song" on Sesame Street (First: Episode 3526).
	1999	Appeared in CNN documentary People Profiles: Jim Henson.

References

• A Grouch parody of Belafonte, named Harry Bellagrouchy, appeared in Episode 2802 of Sesame Street.

• In The Muppet Christmas Carol, when Scrooge denies the bookkeepers' request for more coal by threatening to fire them, the rats suddenly don tropical outfits and sing Belafonte's "Island in the Sun."

• In the Elmo's World episode "Bells," Belafonte is spoofed as Harry Bell-afonte in an animated segment.

External links

• Internet Broadway Databaase
• IMDb