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Common, Maxwell, Sheila E. and more to celebrate Harry Belafonte’s 93rd birthday

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City WineryLegendary singer/actor/activist Harry Belafonte will celebrate his 93rd birthday at a star-studded salute in New York City.

Common, Maxwell, Sheila E., Macy Gray, Aloe Blacc, and Talib Kweli will be among the many paying tribute to the EGOT winner on March 1 at New York’s historic Apollo Theater. All the performers were personally selected by Belafonte for this special event, produced by City Winery.

“I am delighted to be asked by City Winery to be honored at the Apollo Theatre with more than a dozen special artists and friends performing my songs and material that has been part of my legacy,” the Kennedy Center Honors recipient said in a statement.

In addition to his success as an entertainer — he’s won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony — Belafonte has also been a trailblazing fighter for social justice. He created USA For Africa to alleviate poverty both in The Motherland and the United States. To raise funds, he conceived the landmark “We Are the World” all-star charity recording.  Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the song has sold over 20 million copies. 

The star of numerous films, including Carmen Jones in 1954 with Dorothy Dandridge and Diahann Carroll, Belafonte was also one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest allies.

“Belafonte’s global popularity and his commitment to our cause is a key ingredient to the global struggle for freedom and a powerful tactical weapon in the Civil Rights movement here in America,” Dr. King once said of the iconic entertainer. “We are blessed by his courage and moral integrity.”

Proceeds from ”A Celebration of the Life and Work of Harry Belafonte” will benefit The Popular Democracy Movement Center, and the Harry Belafonte 115th Street New York Public Library.

Tickets are available on the City Winery website.

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