Harry Belafonte’s 1956 “Calypso,” the first gold album in music history, caused quite a stir for industry executives and the million-plus purchasers of the LP.
Before “Calypso,” there had been singles that sold 1 million or more copies — such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” — but Belafonte’s 11-song recording set a new standard for the music business.
The Recording Industry Association of America gold record sales certification was established in 1958; before then, record companies gave their performers gold records for sales achievements. The RCA Victor record company awarded Belafonte the first gold record for the historic success of “Calypso.”
Belafonte’s signature “Day-O (Banana Boat Song)” and a version of the traditional Caribbean tune “Jamaica Farewell” are among the album’s most recognizable hits.
Brooklyn-born songwriter Irving Burgie, who worked on “Calypso” under the name Lord Burgess, co-wrote seven of the 11 songs and penned the warm, melodic lyrics of “Jamaica Farewell.” Still active today, Burgie, 91, is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
