Biography

The Belafonte Folk Singers (originally known as The Belafonte Singers) were a vocal group who were active from 1957 to 1965. They were named after singer Harry Belafonte, for whom they originally formed in order to serve as a backing group for recording and concerts. The group was mostly led and conducted by Robert De Cormier, also billed as Bob Corman. Milt Okun sometimes conducted the group as well. The Belafonte Folk Singers usually consisted of 11-12 singers and musicians at one time, all male. Its members were mostly African American, although the group did included some white members. The group had a high turnover, and around 40 singers were a part of the group at one time or another during its eight year existence. Garrett Morris performed with the group early in his career. The group released three of their own albums for RCA Victor, and sang backup on five albums by Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba. Alumni of The Belafonte Folk Singers went on to form the De Cormier Singers, The Phoenix Singers and the Seafarers Chorus.