Deaths on January 23

Paul Robeson, American actor, singer, and activist (b. 1898)

Paul Leroy Robeson (pronounced ROHB-sən), born on April 9, 1898, and passing on January 23, 1976, was an extraordinary American figure whose multifaceted talents spanned the arts, athletics, and activism. He distinguished himself as a commanding bass-baritone concert artist, a compelling stage and film actor, a formidable athlete, and a tireless civil rights advocate. Robeson's global renown stemmed equally from his profound cultural contributions and his unwavering, often controversial, political stances.

Early Life and Formative Years: A Scholar-Athlete's Ascent

Robeson's exceptional abilities were evident from a young age. In 1915, he earned an academic scholarship to Rutgers College, becoming only the third African American student to attend the institution and the first Black student to play on the football team. While at Rutgers, Robeson achieved unprecedented success both academically and athletically. He was twice recognized as a consensus All-American in football, a remarkable feat that solidified his status as one of the sport's early legends. Demonstrating his intellectual prowess, he graduated as the class valedictorian, delivering a powerful address on "The New Idealism."

His academic pursuits continued at Columbia Law School, where he earned his LL.B. degree. Remarkably, he simultaneously played professional football in the nascent National Football League (NFL) for teams like the Akron Pros and the Milwaukee Badgers, showcasing his continued athletic versatility even while studying law. Though he initially practiced law, encountering racial discrimination in the legal field soon led him to pivot towards a career in the performing arts.

Emergence as a Cultural Icon: The Harlem Renaissance and Beyond

Following his graduation from law school, Robeson quickly became a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, the vibrant explosion of Black intellectual and artistic life in the 1920s. His powerful stage presence and deep resonant voice made him a natural fit for the burgeoning theatrical scene. He gained significant critical acclaim for his roles in Eugene O'Neill's seminal plays: first in The Emperor Jones, which explored themes of race and power, and subsequently in All God's Chillun Got Wings, a groundbreaking and controversial production at the time for its depiction of an interracial marriage, challenging racial taboos on Broadway.

International Acclaim and Political Awakening Abroad

Robeson's talent soon transcended American borders. His international career blossomed with performances in Britain, including a touring melodrama titled Voodoo in 1922, and a 1925 production of The Emperor Jones. A defining moment in his early international career came in 1928, when he achieved major success in London's premiere of Jerome Kern's musical masterpiece, Show Boat. His rendition of the iconic song "Ol' Man River" became indelibly associated with him, transforming it into a powerful anthem of perseverance and human dignity.

Living in London for several years with his wife, Eslanda Goode Robeson, a dynamic anthropologist, author, and civil rights activist in her own right, Paul Robeson continued to establish himself as a globally renowned concert artist. His stage career reached new heights when he starred in a London production of Shakespeare's Othello, a landmark achievement as he was one of the first Black actors to portray the Moorish general on a major stage, paving the way for future generations. This was the first of three critically acclaimed productions of the play he would star in over the course of his illustrious career.

Beyond the stage, Robeson also gained significant attention in films such as Sanders of the River (1935) and the cinematic adaptation of Show Boat (1936). While Sanders of the River was later criticized for its colonialist narrative, Robeson initially hoped it would depict African people with dignity, a hope he later expressed was unfulfilled. This period abroad was pivotal, not only for his artistic development but also for his political awakening. His involvement with unemployed workers and anti-imperialist students in Britain deepened his understanding of global social injustices.

His commitment to justice extended to supporting the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), recognizing it as a crucial fight against fascism. He further amplified his advocacy through his active involvement in the Council on African Affairs (CAA), an organization dedicated to promoting the independence of African nations and advocating for civil rights for people of African descent worldwide.

Return to the U.S. and the Challenges of the Cold War Era

Upon his return to the United States in 1939, Robeson initially lent his powerful voice to the American and Allied war efforts during World War II, advocating for unity against fascism. However, his long-standing history of championing civil rights causes—often aligning with radical political thought—and his increasingly sympathetic views towards Soviet policies brought him under intense scrutiny from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI maintained an extensive surveillance file on him, viewing his activism with deep suspicion during the burgeoning Cold War.

After World War II concluded, the political climate in the U.S. became increasingly fraught with anti-communist hysteria, notoriously known as the McCarthy era. Organizations deemed "subversive" were targeted, and in this climate, the Council on African Affairs (CAA) was placed on the Attorney General's List of Subversive Organizations. Robeson himself became a primary target of investigation. Facing immense pressure to denounce his political beliefs and associations, he steadfastly refused to recant his public advocacy for civil rights and peace.

This unwavering stance led to severe repercussions: in 1950, the U.S. State Department denied him a passport, effectively barring him from international travel and performance. This measure profoundly impacted his ability to perform and earn a living, causing his income to plummet. During this challenging period, Robeson relocated to Harlem and between 1950 and 1955, he actively contributed to and published a periodical titled Freedom, which provided critical commentary on United States domestic and foreign policies, serving as a platform for progressive voices.

Paul Robeson's constitutional right to travel was finally restored in 1958, following the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Kent v. Dulles. This ruling asserted that the right to travel is a part of the liberty of which a citizen cannot be deprived without due process of law.

A Prolific Recording Artist: Preserving a Powerful Voice

Throughout his remarkable career, specifically between 1925 and 1961, Paul Robeson recorded and released an impressive discography of approximately 276 songs. His inaugural recordings, released in 1925, were the deeply moving spirituals "Steal Away" (backed with "Were You There"), showcasing his profound connection to African American musical heritage. Robeson's recorded repertoire was incredibly diverse, spanning a wide array of musical styles. It included Americana, popular standards (such as his signature "Ol' Man River"), classical music, and European folk songs, reflecting his global cultural experiences. Furthermore, his recordings featured impactful political songs that conveyed his messages of social justice, along with powerful poetry and spoken excerpts from plays, demonstrating the breadth of his artistic expression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Robeson

What was Paul Robeson famous for?

Paul Robeson was famous for his exceptional talents as a bass-baritone concert artist, a stage and film actor, a collegiate and professional athlete, and a vocal civil rights and anti-imperialist activist. His fame arose from both his cultural achievements and his strong political stances.

What were Paul Robeson's academic and athletic achievements?

Robeson won an academic scholarship to Rutgers College, where he was twice named a consensus All-American in football and graduated as the class valedictorian. He then earned his LL.B. from Columbia Law School while also playing in the National Football League (NFL).

Why was Paul Robeson denied a passport?

Paul Robeson was denied a passport by the U.S. State Department during the McCarthy era due to his refusal to recant his public advocacy for civil rights and his perceived pro-Soviet political views, which were deemed "subversive" by the government.

How did the Supreme Court decision Kent v. Dulles affect Paul Robeson?

The 1958 United States Supreme Court decision in Kent v. Dulles ruled that the right to travel is a part of the liberty of which a citizen cannot be deprived without due process of law. This landmark ruling ultimately led to the restoration of Paul Robeson's passport and his right to travel internationally.

What types of music did Paul Robeson record?

Paul Robeson's recorded repertoire was incredibly diverse, including spirituals, Americana, popular standards, classical music, European folk songs, and political songs. He also recorded poetry and spoken excerpts from plays.