Born on March 1, 1927, in Harlem, New York, he rose to fame as a singer and actor, becoming a pivotal figure in American entertainment. His breakthrough album, "Calypso," topped charts in 1956. He starred in films like "Carmen Jones" and "Island in the Sun," breaking racial barriers in Hollywood. A civil rights activist, he worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and used his platform to advocate for social justice. His legacy endures through his contributions to music, film, and activism.