Births on April 9

Paul Robeson, American singer, actor, and activist (d. 1976)

Paul Leroy Robeson (pronounced ROHB-sən; April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976) was a towering figure in American history, celebrated for his exceptional talents across a diverse array of fields and his unwavering commitment to social justice. A remarkable bass-baritone concert artist, acclaimed stage and film actor, accomplished athlete, and tireless activist, Robeson’s fame stemmed equally from his profound cultural contributions and his courageous, often controversial, political stances. His life encapsulated a period of immense change, and his experiences mirrored the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the 20th century.

An Unparalleled Start: Academia and Athletics

Robeson’s extraordinary journey began with a foundation of academic and athletic excellence. In 1915, he earned a coveted academic scholarship to Rutgers College, an institution where he would leave an indelible mark. His time at Rutgers was nothing short of legendary: he was twice recognized as a consensus All-American in football, a rare feat that showcased his immense physical prowess and leadership on the field. Demonstrating a formidable intellect alongside his athletic gifts, he also graduated as the class valedictorian, delivering a powerful address that hinted at his future eloquence. His pursuit of knowledge did not stop there; he went on to receive his LL.B. from Columbia Law School, remarkably balancing his demanding legal studies with a professional football career in the nascent National Football League (NFL). This period showcased Robeson's incredible capacity for simultaneous achievement in vastly different domains, setting the stage for a life defined by multifaceted excellence.

From Legal Aspirations to Artistic Triumphs

Despite his legal training, Robeson's path soon led him to the performing arts, where his charisma and talent quickly made him a central figure in the vibrant cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. This period, which celebrated Black intellectual and artistic expression, provided the perfect platform for Robeson. He garnered significant acclaim for his powerful performances in groundbreaking plays such as Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones and All God's Chillun Got Wings, roles that challenged racial stereotypes and pushed the boundaries of American theater.

His burgeoning career soon extended beyond American shores. In 1922, Robeson ventured to Britain, performing in a touring melodrama titled Voodoo, and later reprising his role in The Emperor Jones in 1925. A pivotal moment in his international career came in 1928 with the London premiere of Show Boat, where his rendition of "Ol' Man River" became an iconic performance, solidifying his status as a global star. For several years, Robeson made London his home, living with his wife, Eslanda. During this time, he continued to cultivate his reputation as an extraordinary concert artist, captivating audiences with his rich bass-baritone voice. He also took on the monumental role of Othello in a London production, marking the first of three times he would portray Shakespeare's tragic hero during his illustrious career. His presence in film also grew, notably in Sanders of the River (1935) and the 1936 film adaptation of Show Boat, further cementing his cross-media appeal.

The Dawn of Activism: A Voice for Justice

It was during his time in Britain that Robeson's political consciousness truly blossomed. He began to actively engage with pressing social issues, aligning himself with unemployed workers and anti-imperialist students, movements that sought to address economic inequality and challenge colonial rule. This early involvement laid the groundwork for a lifetime of activism. His commitment deepened as he lent his robust support to the Republican cause during the tumultuous Spanish Civil War, a conflict seen by many as a fight against fascism. Furthermore, he became deeply involved with the Council on African Affairs (CAA), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and liberation of African people, a cause he championed passionately throughout his life.

Return to the U.S. and Political Persecution

Upon his return to the United States in 1939, Robeson initially threw his support behind the American and Allied war efforts during World War II, contributing to the national spirit. However, his long-standing and vocal advocacy for civil rights, coupled with his sympathetic views toward Soviet policies – a stance that was increasingly viewed with suspicion during the burgeoning Cold War – brought him under intense scrutiny from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). As the war concluded, the political climate in the U.S. grew more repressive, and organizations like the Council on African Affairs found themselves targeted, with the CAA ultimately being placed on the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations. Robeson himself became a prominent target during the McCarthy era, a period characterized by widespread anti-communist paranoia and political repression.

His refusal to recant his publicly stated beliefs and advocacy for human rights and peace came at a severe personal and professional cost. In a punitive move, the U.S. State Department denied him a passport, effectively trapping him within the country and preventing him from performing internationally. This drastic measure led to a catastrophic plummet in his income, stripping him of his livelihood and his global platform. Undeterred, he moved to Harlem and, from 1950 to 1955, published a periodical titled Freedom, which served as a powerful critical voice against United States policies. Robeson's relentless fight for his fundamental rights eventually bore fruit in 1958, when his right to travel was restored as a direct result of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Kent v. Dulles, a significant victory for civil liberties.

A Prolific Musical Legacy

Throughout his storied career, despite the political challenges, Paul Robeson's voice remained a beacon of artistry and passion. Between 1925 and 1961, he recorded and released an astounding 276 songs, showcasing a versatility that was as remarkable as his range. His recording career began in 1925 with the spirituals "Steal Away" and its B-side, "Were You There," timeless melodies that resonated deeply with his audiences. Robeson's recorded repertoire was extraordinarily diverse, encompassing Americana, popular standards of the era, classical compositions, traditional European folk songs, poignant political anthems, and even poetry and spoken excerpts from plays. This vast collection stands as a testament to his unique ability to transcend genres and use his unparalleled vocal gift to connect with people across cultures and ideologies.

FAQs About Paul Robeson

What were Paul Robeson's primary areas of talent and fame?

Paul Robeson was incredibly versatile, achieving fame as a bass-baritone concert artist, a stage and film actor, an exceptional athlete (particularly in football), and a prominent activist for civil rights and global peace. His fame derived equally from his diverse cultural accomplishments and his strong political stances.

What was Robeson's connection to the Harlem Renaissance?

After completing his law degree, Robeson became a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He garnered critical acclaim for his performances in groundbreaking plays like The Emperor Jones and All God's Chillun Got Wings, contributing significantly to the era's celebration of Black artistic and intellectual expression.

Why did Paul Robeson live in London for several years?

Robeson moved to London with his wife, Eslanda, in the late 1920s after achieving major success in the London premiere of Show Boat. Living in London allowed him to further establish himself as an international concert artist and actor, notably starring in a significant production of Shakespeare's Othello. It was also during this period that his political activism began to intensify.

How did the U.S. government react to Robeson's political activism?

Due to his vocal support for civil rights and his sympathetic views toward Soviet policies during the Cold War and McCarthy era, Robeson faced severe scrutiny from the FBI. He was investigated, and his organization, the Council on African Affairs, was deemed "subversive." The U.S. State Department denied him a passport, severely limiting his ability to perform and earn a living, as a direct consequence of his refusal to renounce his public advocacy.

What was the significance of the Kent v. Dulles Supreme Court decision for Paul Robeson?

The 1958 United States Supreme Court decision in Kent v. Dulles was a landmark ruling that affirmed a citizen's right to travel and restricted the State Department's power to deny passports based on political beliefs. This decision was a direct result of Robeson's legal challenge and ultimately led to the restoration of his passport, allowing him to resume his international performing career.