Recording Academy® Renames Best Song For Social Change Award in Honor of Late Singer, Actor, and Activist Harry Belafonte

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Submissions for the Newly Named Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award Now Open Through Aug. 30

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JULY 17, 2024) — In a move that honors one of the most iconic figures in entertainment and social justice, the Recording Academy® has announced the renaming of its Best Song For Social Change Special Merit Award to the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. This decision pays tribute to the late Harry Belafonte, a legendary artist and activist whose work both on and off the stage left an indelible mark on society. The award, originally established in 2022, continues to celebrate songwriters whose music addresses social issues and inspires positive change around the globe.

Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed the significance of this renaming: "The greatness of Harry Belafonte's artistic legacy is matched by his profound impact of furthering social justice for all. We are honored to recognize his lasting influence with the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award and to continue celebrating works that have inspired global communities towards social impact."

The Belafonte family also expressed their appreciation, with Adrienne, Shari, Gina, and Pamela Belafonte stating, "The Belafonte estate is deeply honored and thrilled that the Recording Academy's Best Song For Social Change Award will now be named the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. This recognition not only celebrates Harry Belafonte's enduring legacy in music and activism but also inspires future generations to continue using their voices and art for justice and positive change."

Harry Belafonte: A Legacy of Art and Activism

Harry Belafonte's career, which began in the 1950s and spanned until his passing in 2023, was characterized by his dual roles as a groundbreaking artist and a passionate activist. His music, particularly his 1956 RCA album *CALYPSO*, set industry standards, becoming the first LP in history to sell over one million copies. However, Belafonte's influence extended far beyond the music charts. He was a close friend of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement, helping to organize key events such as the 1961 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Belafonte's commitment to social justice was unwavering. He was actively involved in the 1961 Freedom Rides, the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964, and performed at President John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball, later serving as a cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. His advocacy reached global dimensions as well; he was a prominent supporter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement and played a key role in organizing the 1985 benefit single "We Are The World," which won four GRAMMY Awards® and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. In 1987, Belafonte was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, through which he championed the needs of children across sub-Saharan Africa.

A two-time GRAMMY® winner and an 11-time career nominee, Belafonte's contributions to music and society were recognized with the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. Additionally, three of his recordings have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame®.The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award

With the renaming, the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award transitions from being a Special Merit Award to being classified as a CEO's Merit Award. The selection process involves a Committee composed of peers dedicated to artistic expression, songwriting craft, and the power of music to effect social change.

The submission period for the 2024 cycle of the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award is currently open and will run through Aug. 30, 2024. Musicians and songwriters are encouraged to submit their works that align with the award's mission of addressing and inspiring change on global social issues.

For more information about the award and submission guidelines, visit the Recording Academy’s official website.About the Recording Academy

The Recording Academy represents the voices of music professionals, including performers, songwriters, producers, and engineers. It is dedicated to preserving the recording arts as a vital part of cultural heritage while investing in music's future through initiatives like the GRAMMY Museum® and MusiCares®. The Academy celebrates excellence through the GRAMMY Awards, the music industry's highest honor, and advocates on behalf of music creators to ensure the continued prosperity of the art form.

For more information about the GRAMMY Awards and the Recording Academy, visit GRAMMY.com and RecordingAcademy.com. Follow the Recording Academy on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.