The Best Song for Social Change Award is presented to the songwriter who creates music with “a timely social issue and promote peace-building.”
Known for his singing, Harry Belafonte was an activist most of his life. Belafonte died last year at the age of 96. The Recording Academy has chosen to rename the Song for Social Change award after Belafonte.
The Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change was first introduced by the Academy in 2022 as it continues to evolve the annual music awards to reflect the industry. A CEO’s Merit Award, the winners will be selected by industry professionals. The inaugural Harry Belafonte Best Song for Change Award will be presented as a part of the 2025 – 66th – annual Grammy Awards.
The first artist to sell one million albums with “Calypso”, Harry Belafonte played a major role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Hi accomplishments include helping to organize the March on Washington in 1961, performed at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball, and an advocate for global humanitarian causes he was one of the organizers of the hit single “We Are the World”.
Belafonte is a two Grammy Award winner wo received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2000 and has had three of his recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr soke on Belafonte and the name change for the award saying, “the greatness of Harry Belafonte’s artistic legacy is matched by his profound impact of tethering 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.”
Members of the Belafonte family issued a statement saying, “the Belafonte estate is deeply honored and thrilled that the Recording Academy’s Best Song for Social Change Award will now be name 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.”