Paul Robeson Overview:

Legendary actor, Paul Robeson, was born Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson on Apr 9, 1898 in Princeton, NJ. Robeson died at the age of 77 on Jan 23, 1976 in Philadelphia, PA .

MINI BIO:

Black American singer and actor with magnificent bass-baritone voice that seemed to come from somewhere near his boots. Made a number of indelible film appearances in the 1930s, mostly as laborers becoming kings of far-off lands, and became famous for his rendition of Ol' Man River, but his Communist-influenced political views hampered his later career. Died following a stroke (and a long period of ill-health).

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures. Robeson was never nominated for an Academy Award.

BlogHub Articles:

, Happy Birthday! Born April 9; 1898-1976

By C. S. Williams on Apr 9, 2014 From Classic Film Aficionados

had a big voice, was an actor of ‘Bigger than Life’ roles, a performer of unique intensity, with a passion that easily communicated?to the movie-goer, the emotions and the ranges of Robeson’s emotions, thereby gifting the viewer with an experience that few actors, befo... Read full article


, Happy Birthday! Born April 9; 1898-1976

By C. S. Williams on Apr 9, 2014 From Classic Film Aficionados

had a big voice, was an actor of ‘Bigger than Life’ roles, a performer of unique intensity, with a passion that easily communicated?to the movie-goer, the emotions and the ranges of Robeson’s emotions, thereby gifting the viewer with an experience that few actors, befo... Read full article


, Happy Birthday! Born April 9; 1898-1976

By C. S. Williams on Apr 9, 2014 From Classic Film Aficionados

had a big voice, was an actor of ‘Bigger than Life’ roles, a performer of unique intensity, with a passion that easily communicated?to the movie-goer, the emotions and the ranges of Robeson’s emotions, thereby gifting the viewer with an experience that few actors, befo... Read full article


Monday Serenade:

By KC on Feb 22, 2010 From Classic Movies

Though I like the second film version of Show Boat (1936), the rest of the movie tends to melt away every time I see sing Ol' Man River. The combination of his rich, uplifting voice and James Whale's stylized direction could make this number a distinctive short on its own. ... Read full article


The Immensely Gifted

By KC on Feb 4, 2010 From Classic Movies

It is no exaggeration to say that was one of the most remarkable humans to ever live. He was intellectual, athletic, and handsome, with a rich bass-baritone voice and a joyful, intoxicating charisma. Robeson seemed able to conquer any arena. As an honor student on scholarship to Rutger... Read full article


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Paul Robeson Quotes:

Brutus Jones: They's some things I don't got to be told. I can see 'em in folks' eyes.


Allan Quartermaine: Then it is agreed we leave tonight?
Sir Henry Curtis: Yes!
Umbopa: It is not agreed - you must stay!
Allan Quartermaine: I'm in charge here! I told you that before!
Umbopa: That was in your country. You are now in mine!


Brutus Jones: Ain't talking big what makes a man big, s'long as he makes folks believe it?


read more quotes from Paul Robeson...



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Paul Robeson on the
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Paul Robeson Facts
Robeson made only one stereo recording, a two volume set of his historic 1958 Carnegie Hall recital - his only appearance there. Unfortunately, the albums made from this occasion turned out to be his last. The Carnegie Hall concert has since been issued on CD, and shows him in remarkably good voice for a sixty year old singer.

The role of Joe, the deckhand, in Jerome Kern's and Oscar Hammerstein II's "Show Boat" was written for him, but because of schedule conflicts and Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.'s delay in putting on the show, he was unable to star in the first stage production and played the role in London five months later. He sang "Ol' Man River" in the show, and made the second ever recording of the song ever in 1928 (Bing Crosby did the first), the same year he starred in the show. He became so identified with it that he starred in three more productions of "Show Boat": the 1932 New York revival, the 1936 film version and a 1940 Los Angeles stage production. Although he continued singing "Ol' Man River" in every one of his solo recitals, and made at least two more recordings of the song, he began changing the lyrics after 1938 to reflect his more racially conscious views.

According to the biography written by his son, Paul Robeson Jr., he had a long-term extramarital relationship with Fredi Washington. They appeared in one film together, The Emperor Jones (1933).

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