Did you know that Harry Belafonte was the first artist to sell?

Did you know that Harry Belafonte first wide-release single, which went on to become his "signature" song with audience participation in virtually all his live performances, was "Matilda," recorded April 27, 1953.


Did you know that his breakthrough album Calypso (1956) became the first LP to ever sell over 1 million copies .

Did you know that (Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" and Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Sixteen Tons", both singles, had previously surpassed the 1 million mark).

Did you know that Belafonte was dubbed the "King of Calypso", a title he wore with some reservations, since he had no claims to any Calypso Monarch titles.