Harry Belafonte is not just one of the greatest entertainers of our time; he has led one of the great American lives of the last century. Now, this extraordinary icon tells us the story of that life, published in My Song: A Memoir, letting us share in the struggles, the tragedies, and, most of all, the inspiring triumphs. Belafonte grew up, poverty-ridden, in Harlem and Jamaica. After fighting in the Second World War, he realised he wanted a life in the arts. He became a star, and at the same time lived a life of active involvement in breaking down racial barriers that had never been broken before. He had a passionate involvement at the heart of the civil rights movement and countless other political and social causes. He’ll talk about his life in the arts; his close friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr.; his role as a conduit between Dr King and the Kennedys; his up-close involvement with the civil rights demonstrations and awareness of the hatred and potential violence around him; his devastation at Dr King’s death and his continuing fight for what he believes is right; his friendships and work with Paul Robeson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sidney Poitier, John F Kennedy, Marlon Brando, Robert Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castro, Tony Bennett, Bill Clinton. As both an artist and an activist, Belafonte has touched countless lives. Tonight is a rare opportunity to share his story.

Note that Watershed is screening the recent documentary about Harry Belafonte, Sing Your Song, from Friday 8 June.