The 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday featured heartfelt tributes to several music icons during the In Memoriam segment. Artists like Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Fantasia Barrino, and Jon Batiste took to the stage to honor the legacies of Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, Clarence Avant, and others. However, Harry Belafonte, a legendary singer who passed away in April 2023, was not given a special tribute, much to the disappointment of his daughters, Shari and Gina.
Shari and Gina Belafonte expressed their dismay on social media, calling out the Grammys for not recognizing their father in a manner similar to the tributes for other artists. Shari took to Facebook and expressed her astonishment, stating that she was 'appalled' by the decision. She highlighted her father's achievements, including being the first recipient of a platinum record and the first Black man to win an Emmy. Shari also emphasized that Harry Belafonte played a pivotal role in creating the iconic song 'We Are The World.' In her opinion, Belafonte's contributions to society and the music industry far surpassed those of Tony Bennett and Tina Turner, who did receive special tributes at the event.
Gina also shared her disappointment on Facebook, posting a photo of her father and expressing her love and admiration for him. She questioned why the Recording Academy did not dedicate a special tribute to Harry Belafonte and decided to create her own tribute as a sign of respect. Gina highlighted her father's mentoring of many winners in the music industry and the impact he made on their lives. She believes that Belafonte's contributions were invaluable and that the Grammys missed an opportunity to honor his legacy.
Harry Belafonte, known for his breakthrough album 'Calypso' in 1956, which became the first million-selling LP by a single artist, was not only a renowned singer but also an actor, producer, and activist. His famous rendition of 'Day-O' (The Banana Boat Song) made calypso music a national phenomenon. His passing in April 2023 due to congestive heart failure left a void in the music industry and the hearts of many.
The absence of a special tribute for Harry Belafonte at the 2024 Grammy Awards sparked disappointment and frustration among his daughters, Shari and Gina. Their sentiments received attention as they voiced their opinions on social media platforms.
It is worth noting that the Grammys have yet to respond to the criticisms raised by Belafonte's daughters. The Recording Academy may choose to address the situation and offer an explanation or express regret for any oversight.
