Senior writer Greg Braxton recalls the late crooner's summer performances at L.A.'s Greek Theatre -- Belafonte's most popular tunes and shout-outs to 'the people in the trees.'
Singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte dies at 96. He was the first Black man to win an Emmy and a Tony.I can vividly recall when Belafonte would touch down at the Greek during summers of the 1960s and ’70s. I was too young to go, and my sister and I would have to be overseen by a babysitter or spend the evening with a neighbor. But I was very familiar with Belafonte’s music. It was the soundtrack of our house.
But it was the Belafonte date nights at the Greek that really stood out. My parents would go out pretty often, but there was always an extra level of excitement before they went to see Belafonte. My mother would look especially pretty in her gorgeous dress, and my dad would dress up like he was going to church.
I was an adult when my parents saw Belafonte for the last time. A friend who lived in my apartment building was an usher at the Greek and managed to secure backstage passes for my parents. After the show, they went to the green room and watched patiently as Belafonte worked the room, greeting family and friends.
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