Harry Belafonte is the artist who had a best-selling 1950s album prominently featuring calypso music.
His groundbreaking album, Calypso, released in 1956, made history by becoming the first record officially recognized by Billboard as a year's top-selling album when the publication began consistently tracking sales figures. This landmark achievement cemented Belafonte's status as a global music icon and brought the vibrant sounds of calypso to a mainstream audience.
The Impact of Calypso
Calypso was not just a commercial success; it was a cultural phenomenon that significantly popularized the calypso genre beyond its Caribbean roots. The album featured iconic tracks such as "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and "Jamaica Farewell," which became instant classics and remain widely recognized today.
Here's a summary of the key details regarding this pivotal album:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | Harry Belafonte |
| Album Title | Calypso |
| Release Year | 1956 |
| Genre | Calypso |
| Historical Note | First album recognized as Billboard's top-seller of the year |
Harry Belafonte's Calypso transcended music, influencing popular culture and opening doors for world music on the international stage. You can learn more about this album on its Wikipedia page.
