The Essential Harry Belafonte [Original recording remastered]

Harry Belafonte | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 4, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000A2BFS4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,825 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #23 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Calypso

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars + 1/2 stars...The Ultimate King of Calypso Collection, October 8, 2005

By 

Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Harry Belafonte (Audio CD)

If it weren't for Harry Belafonte, most Americans would have never become aware of calypso music. This generous 37-track collection hits most of the highlights of a remarkable career, including "Jamaica Farewell,: "Mary's Boy Child," "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)," "Jump in the Line" and of course his signature song "The Banana Boat Song." And while the emphasis is on his calypso and folk material, he also recorded more contemporary material like "Abraham, Martin & John" from 1970's BY REQUEST. My only complaint is that instead of using the million-selling single version of "The Banana Boat Song," they used a live version. If you're looking for a solid introduction into the music of Harry Belafonte, look no further. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Who's in charge at RCA?, October 24, 2007

By 

Roy Szanik (honolulu, hi United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Harry Belafonte (Audio CD)

How can a presumed greatest hits (essential collection) end up with two of Harry's biggest and most famous
songs being included as LIVE versions? What has happen with bona fide song selections? The studio versions
are what everyone heard in the 1950's and remember best (by ear). Apparently, RCA's CD producers for older
artists have no idea what they are doing. I guess it'll get even worse as we get older and the producers get younger. A good "essential collection" can only be GOOD if it passes the "by ear" test. If you were not around
in the 50s listening to the originals you have no idea which track to put on the CDs. RCA has entered this stage.
And if Harry really did select these songs he should KNOW better!!! I would not have this in my collection is RCA gave it to me gratis.
Aloha

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars be forwarned, August 13, 2006

By 

Brenda J. Safranko (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Essential Harry Belafonte (Audio CD)

This version of Jump In The Line is not the known version that was in Beetlejuice. It is a slower, big band version.