Who Originally Sang the Banana Boat Song?

The Banana Boat Song is a classic tune that has been covered by many artists over the years. But who originally sang it? Let’s take a look.

The Origins of the Banana Boat Song

The song, also known as “Day-O,” was originally a Jamaican folk song. It was first recorded in 1952 by Edric Connor and the Caribbeans. The song quickly became popular in Jamaica and eventually made its way to the United States.

Harry Belafonte’s Version

In 1956, Harry Belafonte recorded his version of the Banana Boat Song for his album “Calypso.” The album was a huge success and helped to popularize Caribbean music in the United States.

Belafonte’s version of the song features his signature voice and incorporates a call-and-response style that is common in Caribbean music. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make it hard not to dance along.

Other Covers

Since Belafonte’s version, many artists have covered the Banana Boat Song. Some notable covers include:

  • Shirley Bassey
  • The Muppets
  • Stan Freberg
  • The Tarriers
  • Nina Simone

Each artist brings their own style to the song, but all versions maintain the infectious energy of the original Jamaican folk tune.

In Conclusion

So there you have it – Edric Connor and the Caribbeans were the first to record the Banana Boat Song back in 1952. However, it was Harry Belafonte who popularized the song with his iconic version on his album “Calypso.”

Since then, many artists have covered this classic tune, each bringing their own unique flavor to the mix. For anyone who loves Caribbean music, the Banana Boat Song is a must-listen.

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Daniel Bennet