Paul Robeson

Robeson in football uniform at [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers]], {{Circa|1919}} Paul Leroy Robeson ( ; April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976) was an American bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.

In 1915, Robeson won an academic scholarship to Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he was the only African-American student. While at Rutgers, he was twice named a consensus All-American in football and was elected class valedictorian. He earned his LL.B. from Columbia Law School, while playing in the National Football League (NFL). After graduation, he became a figure in the Harlem Renaissance, with performances in Eugene O'Neill's ''The Emperor Jones'' and ''All God's Chillun Got Wings''.

Robeson performed in Britain in a touring melodrama, ''Voodoo'', in 1922, and in ''Emperor Jones'' in 1925. In 1928, he scored a major success in the London premiere of ''Show Boat''. Living in London for several years with his wife Eslanda, Robeson continued to establish himself as a concert artist and starred in a London production of ''Othello'', the first of three productions of the play over the course of his career. He also gained attention in ''Sanders of the River'' (1935) and in the film production of ''Show Boat'' (1936). Robeson's political activities began with his involvement with unemployed workers and anti-imperialist students in Britain, and it continued with his support for the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War and his involvement in the Council on African Affairs.

After returning to the United States in 1939, Robeson supported the American and Allied war efforts during World War II. His history of supporting civil rights causes and Soviet policies, however, brought scrutiny from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). After the war ended, the Council on African Affairs was placed on the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations. Robeson was investigated during the McCarthy era. When he refused to recant his public advocacy of his political beliefs, the U.S. State Department withdrew his passport and his income plummeted. He moved to Harlem and published a periodical called ''Freedom'', which was critical of United States policies, from 1950 to 1955. Robeson's right to travel was eventually restored as a result of the 1958 United States Supreme Court decision ''Kent v. Dulles''.

Between 1925 and 1961, Robeson released recordings of some 276 songs. The first of these was the spiritual "Steal Away", backed with "Were You There", in 1925. Robeson's recorded repertoire spanned many styles, including Americana, popular standards, classical music, European folk songs, political songs, poetry and spoken excerpts from plays. Provided by Wikipedia
Showing 1 - 20 results of 97 for search 'Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976', query time: 0.09s Refine Results
  1. 1

    The odyssey of Paul Robeson by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    New York, NY : Omega Classics, 1992
    Format: CD Audio


  2. 2

    Here I stand by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Boston : Beacon Press, 1988
    Format: Book


  3. 3

    Here I stand by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    London : D. Dobson, 1958
    Format: Book


  4. 4

    Paul Robeson ballad for Americans and great songs of faith, love and patriotism. by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Santa Monica, CA : Vanguard Records, 1989
    Format: Audio


  5. 5

    Paul Robeson live at Carnegie Hall by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Santa Monica, CA : Vanguard, 1987
    Format: CD Audio


  6. 6

    Scandalize my name by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Camp Hill, Pa. : Classics Record Library, 1976
    Format: Audio


  7. 7

    Songs for free men by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Wadhurst, E. Sussex, England : Pearl, 1997
    Format: Audio


  8. 8

    Great voices of the century : Paul Robeson. by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Pinner, Middlesex, England : Memoir Classics, 1992
    Format: Audio


  9. 9

    The essential Paul Robeson by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    London, England : ASV, 2000
    Format: CD Audio


  10. 10

    Paul Robeson speaks : writings, speeches, interviews, 1918-1974 by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Secaucus, N.J. : Citadel, 1978
    Format: Book


  11. 11

    Here I stand by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    London : Dennis Dobson, 1958
    Format: Book


  12. 12

    Here I stand by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Boston : Beacon Press, 1971
    Format: Book


  13. 13

    Songs of free men [a Paul Robeson recital] by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    New York : Sony Classical, 1997
    Format: CD Audio


  14. 14

    Paul Robeson by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    Wadhurst, E. Sussex, England : Pearl, 1989
    Format: Audio


  15. 15

    Paul Robeson speaks : writings, speeches, interviews, 1918-1974 by Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976

    New York : Brunner/Mazel, 1978
    Format: Book


  16. 16

    Voice of the people

    Dorset, [England] : Regis Records Ltd, 2003
    Other Authors: “…Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976…”
    Format: CD Audio


  17. 17

    Paul Robeson sings "Ol' man river" & other favorites.

    [United States?] : EMI, 1985
    Other Authors: “…Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976…”
    Format: Audio


  18. 18

    Spirituals, folksongs, hymns, The song of the Volga boatmen

    Sparrows Green, E. Sussex, England : Pearl, 1989
    Other Authors: “…Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976…”
    Format: Audio


  19. 19

    Paul Robeson

    Wadhurst, Eng. : Pavilion Records, 1989
    Other Authors: “…Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976…”
    Format: Audio


  20. 20

    Songs for free men

    Wadhurst, E. Sussex, England : Pearl; Pavilion Records Ltd., 1997
    Other Authors: “…Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976…”
    Format: Audio