Harry Belafonte begins here! And there's a very special reason for this edition: On March, 1st the most versatile singer in popular music, and the most politically committed singer-actor in the world celebrates his 75th birthday! This outstanding singer's career began in the New York jazz clubs circa 1949, and our exclusive 5-CD set tells the story of Harry Belafonte's astonishing early career from the early jazz and pop sides for Roost, Capitol, and Jubilee (all unreissued until now and featuring the cream of New York jazzmen), to the fabulous 'Calypso' album... and beyond. Through it all, Harry Belafonte was constantly challenging himself, constantly looking for ways to introduce his ever-growing audience to the music of the world.

These five CDs include Harry Belafonte's timeless interpretations of some of the great songs of the era... and songs that you'll still hear at his concerts, including Scarlet Ribbons, Man Smart (Woman Smarter), Matilda, I'm Just A Country Boy, John Henry, Jamaica Farewell, Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Mary's Boy Child, Haiti Cherie, Hava Nageela, Mama Look-A-Boo-Boo, and Island In The Sun. Many songs were recorded several times as Belafonte refined his approach to them, and you'll hear all the unissued versions here. You'll also hear his first five albums complete: 'Mark Twain,' 'Belafonte,' 'Calypso' (the first million-selling LP in the history of the record business!), 'An Evening With Belafonte,' and 'Sings Of The Caribbean. ' All digitally remastered from the original master tapes for the first time! The book includes striking first-person reminiscences from Harry Belafonte's associates, including calypsonian Lord Burgess and choral director Robert DeCormier, as well as from the man himself! In addition, there are many rare and unpublished photos and a full discography