5-CD box (LP-size) with 100-page hardcover book, 112 tracks. Playing time approx. 354 mns

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 In addition, there are many rare and unpublished photos and a full discography.

Track Listing

• Lean On Me
• Recognition
• How Green Was My Valley
• Deep As The River
• They Didn't Believe Me
• Close Your Eyes
• Whispering
• Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
• I Still Get A Thrill (Thinking Of You)
• Farewell To Arms
• Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
• The Nigth Has A Thousand Eyes
• Annabell Lee
• Venezuela
• Simple, Simple, Simple
• Only One Like Me
• Chimney Smoke
• A-Roving
• Man Smart (Woman Smarter)
• Jerry (This Timber Got To Roll)
• Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair)
• Shenandoah
• Gomen Nasai (Forgive Me)
• Springfield Mountain (To-Roo-De-Nay)
• Suzanne (Every Night When The Sun Goes Down)
• Matilda

• Kukla-Mu
• Pretty As A Rainbow
• Acorn In The Meadow
• I'm Just A Country Boy
• Hold 'em Joe
• Kalenda Rock (Mourning Song)
• The Drummer And The Cook
• The Fox
• Delia
• Soldier, Soldier
• Lord Randall
• Tol' My Captain
• John Henry
• The Next Big River
• Mark Twain
• Mo Mary
• Man Piaba
• Take My Mother Home
• Sylvie
• Noah
• Baby Darlin'
• Hello Everybody
• Troubles

• Waterboy
• Scarlet Ribbons
• In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin'
• Jump Down, Spin Around
• Will His Love Be Like His Rum'
• Hosanna
• The Jack-Ass Song
• Banana Boat Song (Day-O)
• Star-O
• Suzanne
• Unchained Melody
• Jamaica Farewell
• I Do Adore Her
• Dolly Dawn
• Brown Skin Girl
• Melda Massi
• Come Back Liza
• The Blues Is Man (part 1)
• The Blues Is Man (part 2)
• Mary's Boy Child
• Merci Bon Dieu
• Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma

• Once Was
• Have Nageela
• When The Saints Go Marching In
• Merci Bon Dieu (from the 'Haitian Suite')
• Hava Nageela
• Danny Boy
• The Drummer And The Cook (Cockney Air)
• Come O My Love
• Eden Was Like This
• When Saints Go Marching In

• Mama Look A Boo Boo
• Cocoanut Woman
• Island In The Sum
• Scratch Scratch
• Don't Ever Love Me
• Cordelia Brown
• Island In The Sun
• Angelique-O
• Haiti Cherie
• Judy Drownded
• Lead Man Holler
• Love, Love Alone
• Lucy's Door
• Fifteen
• The Lord Is My Shepherd
• I'm Goin' Away

Additional Details

Label: Bear Family Records

Genre: Pop/Rock

Run Time: 354 mins

Release Date: 01/02/07

UPC: 4000127162625