Book cover of My Song: A Memoir of Art, Race, and Defiance

Book description

An eloquently told personal account of an era of enormous cultural and political change, which reveals Harry Belafonte as not only one of America’s greatest entertainers, but also one of our most profoundly influential activists.
 
Harry Belafonte spent his childhood in both Harlem and Jamaica, where the toughness of…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked My Song as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Most people know Harry Belafonte as an iconic singer and actor – someone whose career as an entertainer spanned more than half a century. But this autobiography proves he was much more, and, indeed, he considers himself more an activist than an entertainer.

He writes about his struggles growing up in a poor and underprivileged family, and he describes how his roots helped chart his pivotal role in this country’s civil rights movement. Unlike many “entertainer-activists,” Belafonte was in it for the long haul–he spent most of his adult life advocating for the rights of underprivileged people and racial minorities…

One of the most candid memoirs of the era, Belafonte was key to the movement at consequential moments like Selma. From his early adulthood as a socialist in New York City to being a confidant to a Dr. King who was searching for how to change America, Belafonte is a great storyteller.

If you love My Song...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like My Song?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like My Song.

Browse books like My Song

Book cover of Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement
Book cover of An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement and the Transformation of America
Book cover of Coretta: My Life, My Love, My Legacy

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like My Song, you might also like...

Book cover of Ramón Ramirez's Dog: Reflections on Then and Now

Ramón Ramirez's Dog by David J. Dunford,

Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…

Book cover of I, Robot Alien

I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt,

“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025

BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!

EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!

I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.

I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…

5 book lists we think you will like!