Found on the BBC web site today in a report about the release of ex-secret papers to the Public Records Office.

... files show that black American singer and actor Paul Robeson was regarded as a "nuisance" by the Security Service because of his outspoken left-wing views and support for black civil rights.

Although he had visited Britain in 1949 and again the following year - when his movements were tracked by MI5 - for much of the 1950s Robeson was prevented from travelling abroad after the US authorities withdrew his passport.

MI5 repeatedly advised that if he did regain his passport he should still not be admitted as the British Communist Party would "do all in its power to exploit the visit for propaganda purposes".

But in 1958 Robeson was granted a visa to visit Britain and allowed to perform concerts, despite MI5's warnings.

A Home Office official noted: "Paul Robeson may be a Communist but he is also a great artist and a world figure. To turn him out of the country or to refuse him entry would create a major crisis."

So, thanks to a nameless Home Office official, by parents were able to take me to see Paul Robeson when he performed in Manchester.
I was seven years old.
I still remember it vividly.

I'd really like to thank that man.

AndyG