Free Thinking

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with artists and thinkers in debates and interviews.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with leading artists and thinkers in extended interview and debate.

Free Thinking: Harry Belafonte's career

Harry Belafonte's career

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Harry Belafonte's career

The long career of the American singer, film star & activist with Matthew Sweet & guests.

With a BFI season of his films running through December, Matthew Sweet and guests explore the long career of great American singer, film star and activist Harry Belafonte.

Popularising calypso music, performing with Sinatra's Rat pack, Nana Mouskouri and Miriam Makeba and Charlie Parker, starring in films including Otto Preminger's Carmen Jones, the hip hop film he produced called Beat Street, Robert Altman's Kansas City and Spike Lee's BlacKkKlansman: Harry Belafonte's career in film and music ran from 1949 to 2018 but he was also a tireless political activist who was inspired by Paul Robeson. As the BFI programmes a season of his films in December, Matthew Sweet is joined by Candace Allen, Kevin Le Gendre and Susanne Rostock.

Producer: Torquil MacLeod

On the Free Thinking website you can find Matthew Sweet's interview with Harry Belafonte, recorded in 2012 after the publication of his autobiography My Song and the release of Susanne Rostock's documentary Sing Your Song.  Susanne is currently working on another film that she made with Belafonte - Following Harry - that sees him meeting and talking to young activists.  
Also on the Free Thinking website are more episodes exploring Black History including a discussion about the career of Sidney Poitier and Radio 3 has a series of 5 Essays called Paul Robeson in Five Songs.
Kevin Le Gendre's Edgar Allan Poe based musical project - Re:EAP - has just released its debut album 'Zoo For Barbers'.

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