Paul Robeson sings
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Today in Books, Steve Ryfle reviews ‘In Search of the Black Fantastic’ by Richard Iton. He writes:
The breadth of material Iton examines is both impressive and exhaustive; it seems no African American pop icon who helped shape black political consciousness and influence over the last century is left out.
The review begins with Paul Robeson, the singer, actor and All-American football player whose leftist activism ‘damaged his career and opened a debate about the role black entertainers should play in politics.’ To fully appreciate Robeson’s role as a political catalyst, I think, you have to hear his incredible artistry. This clip of him in concert includes a voiceover by Harry Belafonte, explaining the evolution of the lyrics to ‘Old Man River.’
Carolyn Kellogg