Midnight Special - Harry Belafonte (1962)

Ideated from: a Black History Month reminder that black artists largely built the modern world of music

Two touchpoints for people my particular age relating Harry Belafonte’s place in the culture: The Muppet Show and Beetlejuice.

Belafonte was a massive star of the 50s and 60s: One of the first bankable African American movie stars, an outspoken leader in the fight for civil rights, and a top-selling singer whose sound crossed over jazz and folk.

I don’t know if he was a pioneer in the late-50s folk revival, so much as he was just already doing it at a high level when the movement arrived.

This is as good an example as I could find of what he was doing in his prime. He would seamlessly blend vocal jazz, caribbean rhythms, and hollywood zhuzh to create unique takes on traditional and traditional-sounding material.

Tracks I Liked

Midnight Special - I swear I didn’t know until after I’d picked this record that this track was the first time Bob Dylan appeared on record. He plays harmonica.

Did You Hear About Jerry? - a fast-paced and emotional spiritual-style gallop

Muleskinner - a great showcase for the bluesy side of his fantastic voice.