It would take all of the time I have and much, much more to tell you everything wonderful and amazing about Paul Robeson.
He obtained a law degree from Columbia University, but when – as an African American he couldn’t get work -- he drifted into theater. Robeson was discovered by the legendary American playwright Eugene O’Neill, who cast him in the towering title role in Emperor Jones. His Othello in both London and New York is considered a classic. And yes, that’s Robeson who sings “Old Man River” in the original filmed version of Show Boat. His glorious bass-baritone was a true American original.
Robeson was active in protecting all citizens during “Red Scare” hysteria of the 1950s, fought in the civil rights movement and was an out-spoken advocate of justice worldwide. Here’s a lovely recording from 1927 of Robeson singing the old spiritual, “I’ve Got a Home in-a Dat Rock.”
MUSIC: “I’ve Got a Home in-a Dat Rock,” Paul Robeson
I’m Robert Darden … “Shout! Black Gospel Music Moments” is produced by KWBU, the Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University Libraries and is funded by generous support from the Prichard Foundation.