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The year was 1957. Almost seven decades ago. A year before, in 1956, Harry Belafonte recorded his CALYPSO album (RCA Victor)
which became the first "Long Play" record album to sell over one-million copies. The first track "Day-O" (aka: The Banana Boat Song)
largely contributed to the success of Belafonte's CALYPSO album and has long been his signature song.
The single "Day-O" reaching #5 on Billboard's pop "Hit-Parade" chart.

Going back to 1957 and the motion picture ISLAND IN THE SUN, was a drama about race relations and international romance set in
the fictitious island of Santa Marta. (Barbados and Grenada were selected as the sites for the movie).

The film was controversial at the time of its release for its on-screen portrayal of interacial romance. In fact, as a result of interacial love scenes
with Harry Belafonte, actress Joan Fontaine received "poison-pen mail" including threats from the Ku Klux Klan.

In spite of all this, ISLAND IN THE SUN was a major box office success. The film included some impressive stars:

Harry Belafonte
Joan Fontaine
James Mason
Joan Collins
Dorothy Dandridge
Michael Rennie

The title song ISLAND IN THE SUN was written by Harry Belafonte and Irving Burgie (aka: Lord Burgess).
I personally consider this song one of Belafonte's best, and it's featured on his really super album BELAFONTE SINGS OF THE CARIBBEAN (RCA/rel 1957).






*** Bonus Track *** LEAD MAN HOLLER