One of the most iconic singers and actors of the 20th century, Harry Belafonte has passed away at the age of 96.

Belafonte appeared on stage, television and film since the 1950s and was well known for being one of the first mainstream black artists in the entertainment industry.

US reporter Charles Feldman told Millsy and Karl on 6PR Breakfast Belafonte broke ground by being an early crossover to white audiences.

“His real claim to fame in many ways was as a civil rights leader, really, in the United States,” Mr Feldman said.

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Charles Feldman also discussed Joe Biden’s announcement on the presidency.

Image: Getty/David Livingston