Record:Harry Belanfonte: The Midnight Special

Harry Belafonte stands among the most successful African-American stars in the realm of pop music. From an initial career in cabaret, Belafonte moved into pop before exploring traditional folk tunes, jazz, and West Indian music. In the 1950s, Belafonte signed with RCA and produced a series of hit records, notably 1956's "Calypso" which spent 31 weeks at the top of the charts on the strength of "Banana Boat (Day-O)." HIs 1962 album "The Midnight Special" holds a special place in the heart of rock music collectors as the first album to feature Bob Dylan, playing harmonica on the title track, "The Midnight Special" exemplifies Harry Belafonte's capacity to produce combine blues, big band, gospel, and soul to create his own interpretations of traditional folk songs.