My Song

A Memoir

By: Harry Belafonte, Michael Shnayerson

Narrated by: Harry Belafonte, Mirron Willis

Length: 19 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

Harry Belafonte is not just one of the greatest entertainers of our time; he has led one of the great American lives of the last century. Now, this extraordinary icon tells us the story of that life, giving us its full breadth, letting us share in the struggles, the tragedies, and, most of all, the inspiring triumphs.

Belafonte grew up, poverty-ridden, in Harlem and Jamaica. His mother was a complex woman - caring but withdrawn, eternally angry and rarely satisfied. His father was distant and physically abusive. It was not an easy life, but it instilled in young Harry the hard-nosed toughness of the city and the resilient spirit of the Caribbean lifestyle. It also gave him the drive to make good and channel his anger into actions that were positive and life-affirming. His journey led to the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he encountered an onslaught of racism but also fell in love with the woman he eventually married. After the war he moved back to Harlem, where he drifted between odd jobs until he saw his first stage play - and found the life he wanted to lead. Theater opened up a whole new world, one that was artistic and political and made him realize that not only did he have a need to express himself, he had a lot to express.

He began as an actor - and has always thought of himself as such - but was quickly spotted in a musical, began a tentative nightclub career, and soon was on a meteoric rise to become one of the world’s most popular singers. Belafonte was never content to simply be an entertainer, however. Even at enormous personal cost, he could not shy away from activism. At first it was a question of personal dignity: breaking down racial barriers that had never been broken before, achieving an enduring popularity with both white and black audiences. Then his activism broadened to a lifelong, passionate involvement at the heart of the civil rights movement and countless other political and social causes. The sections on the rise of the civil rights movement are perhaps the most moving in the book: his close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr.; his role as a conduit between Dr. King and the Kennedys; his up-close involvement with the demonstrations and awareness of the hatred and potential violence around him; his devastation at Dr. King’s death and his continuing fight for what he believes is right.

But My Song is far more than the history of a movement. It is a very personal look at the people in that movement and the world in which Belafonte has long moved. He has befriended many beloved and important figures in both entertainment and politics - Paul Robeson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sidney Poitier, John F. Kennedy, Marlon Brando, Robert Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton - and writes about them with the same exceptional candor with which he reveals himself on every page. This is a book that pulls no punches, and turns both a loving and critical eye on our country’s cultural past.

As both an artist and an activist, Belafonte has touched countless lives. With My Song, he has found yet another way to entertain and inspire us. It is an electrifying memoir from a remarkable man.

©2011 Harry Belafonte (P)2011 Random House Audio

Amazing

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have listend to digital books for years and this my first review. Harry Belafonte's life was and is simply amazing. The narration was perfect. I have purchased hard copies of the book for myself, my son, my aunt and a close friend. It is that good.

Phenomenal Story

Would you listen to My Song again? Why?

Absolutely. The richness of the experiences shared by Harry Belefonte is beyond measure.

What did you like best about this story?

The look at American History from the perspective of someone who faced oppression and racism head on, and who learned that moving forward with peace is really the answer to saving tomorrow.

What does Harry Belafonte and Mirron Willis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hearing the story told with the passion they both used helped bring it to life in a way the words on a page could have not have done.

Any additional comments?

Well worth the time to listen!

Iconic

Great insight into the life of one who lived the Civil Rights. Excellent historical account of Balafonte's life and the movement for justice!

Thank you Mr. Belafonte

I am thankful for the education in the human rights movement, finding my own moral center and the stand you take so we all can run.

Belafonte

His life shown from birth to death. What a rich life he made for himself,

a celebration of life and human rights

I has no idea Belafonte was such a mover and shaker in the world and national events that shaped and created the United States. It was amazing to learn about his humble beginnings and his struggles as a man alien to his race, love and the industry who could be so fickle towards him on the basis of race. I am happy to hear he was able to overcome most of these obstacles and that he too made mistakes and learned from them. This book was very inspiring.

Amazing listen, a lesson in 20th century history

I loved listening to Belafonte as a child and was looking forward to learning more about his life. Not only does this book provide quite a synopsis of his early life and career, it melds with important historial moments in American history, and international music history in surprising ways. The book is long, but covers lots of stuff and never gets boring. I would have preferred to hear the story from the singer himself but unfortunately his voice is not up to it... he only speaks in the intro. Mirron Willis does a good job though and many times you just believe he is Harry. One minor annoyance, all dates are said in an unnatural way, e.g., "June one" instead of June first (1st), May fifteen instead of fifteenth, etc.

loved it

A true professional gives his historical life story, with the highs and lows of a legend.

Awesome!

I thought I knew Mr Belafonte, but after reading this I can see I didn't know the half. He has touched and been touched by some of the greatest people in history!. I am truly awed . PLEASE READ

You did not know this....

The world has its ownership to Harry Belafonte. Listen to this portrait and be very sure!