Singer Paul Robeson had a commanding presence at over 6 feet tall. It was only overshadowed by his intense bass voice that led him to popularity. He had a successful career as an actor, singer and Socialist activist. As America’s relationship with the Soviet Union turned sour after World War II; Robeson’s career was ruined because of political scandals.
Robeson was most famous for his popularization of Negro spirituals — often used to describe spirituals that stem from the slavery era — and theatrical performances. Here is his smooth voice singing ‘Ol' Man River’ from the musical Show Boat.
Ol' Man River (Remastered) · Paul Robeson
Credits
Host: Tesfa Wondemagegnehu
Producer: Dan Nass
Writers: Andrea Blain and Scott Blankenship
Executive Producer: Julie Amacher
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About Rhapsody in Black
Where we turn up the voices of Black artists in the world of classical music, with host Vernon Neal.
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