No.25

Paul Robeson 1898-1976
American athlete, singer, actor and civil rights activist

While a student at university, he experienced a great deal prejudice and even violence because of his colour. He excelled in basketball, baseball and track events, and he was twice named to the All-American Football Team.

In 1923 he left with a lawyer’s degree, but the problem about not being white was always present. When a secretary refused to take dictation from him, he gave up his job with a legal firm and went on the stage.

He appeared in 11 films including “Showboat” (1936).

Paul Robeson and Uta Hagen in "Othello"

In 1944 following his success in “Othello” he won the Donaldson Award for Best Acting performance.

Outside the USA Paul Robeson was welcomed warmly everywhere he went, but at home life was very different for him and all coloured people.

In 1950 he appeared before the All-American Activities Committee and from that year till 1958 his passport was denied him.

I’ve chosen two of his songs to listen to, and then finally a short clip from “Showboat” where he sings “Old Man River.”

Interestingly, after he became involved in the struggle for racial equality, he changed a line in the song. Instead of the sad “I’m tired of livin’ and feared of dyin’” he substituted the confident declaration “I must keep fightin’ until I’m dyin’!”

I love this song "When you come to the End of a Perfect Day."

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It's been a long time since I last heard "Shortnin’ Bread."

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And this is the film clip -

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Finally some interesting statistics about my blogs -

So far, during the month of March, the number of visits to each site has been -

Pre-Raphaelite blog... 578
Wise Men Say..............416
John’s Gallery..............230
Touch of Culture.........193
80 plus......................... 184
Quiet Corner............... 162
Come surf the net........ 35 (This new blog began on Saturday)

In view of the increased interest shown in the Pre-Raphaelite site, I’m beginning a fourth series on Wednesday 6th April.

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