Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belafonte - MP3 instrumental karaoke

“Jamaica Farewell” is one of those songs that has a much longer history than you might think. Originating as a Jamaican folk song that extolled the beauties of the West Indian Islands and a love left behind, the lyrics were written by Irving Burgie (known as Lord Burgess). Harry Belafonte recorded a version of “Jamaica Farewell” for his seminal 1956 album Calypso. And though the song had been around for a long time, its appearance on Harry Belafonte’s Calypso actually marks the very first time the song appeared on an album. It features a mix of calypso and folk music, featuring the eclecticism that would make Harry Belafonte famous. “Jamaica Farewell” was released as a single, and quickly became the second hit from the record, following the smash hit of “Day-O (Banana Boat Song).” Harry Belafonte’s cover of “Jamaica Farewell” reached Number 14 on Billboard’s Pop chart, an impressive chart position for a Jamaican-style folk song.