Folk singer, actor and activist Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96, his spokesman has confirmed.
The New York Times is reporting that the iconic star passed away at his Manhattan home today (Tuesday).
The pioneering musician and civil rights activist, who rose to fame in the 1950s, was best known for Day-O (The Banana Boat Song) and Jump In the Line.
Belafonte won a Tony Award for his acting and he also appeared in a host of feature films.
But it was his life's work spent fighting for civil rights for black Americans that he will be remembered most by some for, as well as his campaigning against apartheid, Aids in Africa and for left wing political figures including Cuba's Fidel Castro.
The New York Times reports the cause of death was congestive heart failure.
We will have more on this breaking news story as we get it.
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