Harry Belafonte Calypso

When Harry Belafonte released Calypso, with its memorable songs "Day-O", "I Do Adore Her", and "Jamaica Farewell" sung in his personable, warm voice, it quickly became a bestseller. Like any good folk music, the songs are accessible, yet they also bear the exotic lure of the Caribbean. From the songs of hard work, such as "Day-O" and "Hosanna," to the sly good humor of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" and "The Jackass Song," Belafonte's voice helped bring the richness of Caribbean culture to the North American consciousness. While a couple of the songs here are featured in arrangements that may sound a bit corny to modern ears, most sound delightfully fresh and have definitely stood the test of time.Released by RCA Victor (LPM-1248) in 1956. The CD was released on April 28, 1992 . It is the first full-length gramophone LP to sell over one million copies (the singles Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons" had surpassed 1 million copies previously). The album is number four on Billboard's "Top 100 Album" list for having spent 31 weeks at number 1, 58 weeks in the top ten, and 99 weeks on the U.S. charts. (Wiki)

01. The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)
02. I Do Adore Her
03. Jamaica Farewell
04. Will His Love Be Like His Rum
05. Dolly Dawn
06. Star-O
07. The Jack-Ass Song
08. Hosanna
09. Come Back Liza
10. Brown Skin Girl
11. Man Smart (Woman Smarter)

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