Seeking Paul Robeson stories

Subject: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 06:38 PM

One of my friends is the granddaughter of the late great singer and humanitarian Paul Robeson. She's published a photo-biography about her grandfather, and continues to collect stories, reminiscences, photographs, etc. from those who knew him. If you have something you'd like to share, let me know, either on this thread or via PM, and I'll send the info along to her. Thanks!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: pavane
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 06:40 PM

I am sure have seen books here about his links with South Wales. Is this of interest?

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 06:45 PM

Sure, I would think that books published outside the US might be unfamiliar to her and would be interesting. Thanks.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 06:51 PM

Don't have a personal one Mark....but this sticks in my mind. A few years ago I was playing a large Jewish Old Folks Home. After I finished, and elderly little man came up to me and asked if he could show me something. I went back to his room and from a shopping bag stuffed with papers, he pulled out several Paul Robson Concert posters. He'd been carrying these things around for Gawd knows how many years....each was signed by Robeson. For the next half an hour he told me just how much Paul's music, courage and personna had meant to him...while living in New York in the forties. He cried several times, and talked to me about how hard it was to be supportive of integration (even in New York) in those days. He said that even some of his family called him a "commie" for loving Robeson so much.....then he laughed and said "I was never a "commie" though, hated to go to meetings, I just believed in what was right"!

Robeson meant a lot to a lot of people.

Rick

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Gareth
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 07:22 PM

Interesting - Paul Robeson, seems to be more honoured here in South Wales, than by the American Nation - bit late tonite, and I am off away for the next 3 days but I'll mark the tread and return when I have more information.

Gareth - from a Proud Valley.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,SharonA at the library
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 08:57 PM

Some connections to New Jersey (Princeton and Rutgers University):

http://www.princeton.lib.nj.us/robeson/links.html

http://www.scc.rutgers.edu/njh/PaulRobeson/

Also check out this page about Peekskill, NY that includes a contact e-mail: http://www.highlands.com/robeson/Default.html

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Escamillo
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 10:35 PM

Sorry, I have nothing to contribute, but tell this lady that here at the other side of the world there are many people who love and admire the personality of Paul, and are grateful to him for his artistic heritage, and fully respectful for his defense of his honest ideals.

Un abrazo - Andrés, in the troubled Buenos Aires

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Gareth
Date: 29 Mar 02 - 12:56 PM

Just caught the South Wales Evening Echo before I departed - Quote
An interactive adaption of last year's Let Paul Robeson Sing exhibition in the National MUseam of Wales is now being staged at Bute Town History and Arts Centre.

Th exhibition on the legendry American Actor who forged strong links with Wales during the depression runs until April 28th

The event includes 22 display panels. soundtracks, memorabilia, a video display, a six wek film festival, guidd tours and special chool workshops.

For more information contact the centre on 029 2025 6757
Unquote

BLICKY TO BUTETOWN H & A C

And here's a BLICKY ON ROBESON and the British Labour Movement.

With a little bit of luck I might get down to Tiger Bay this monday.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha
Date: 29 Mar 02 - 02:41 PM

And just like Gareth and the people of Wales, here in Ireland Paul Robeson was admired not only for his wonderful singing, but also for his courage and bravery. He was a role model for the downtrodden, always remembered and loved by the people of Ireland. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: NELLIE
Date: 29 Mar 02 - 03:34 PM

When I was a very small girl, my parents took me to Hull in Yorkshire to see Paul Robeson, After the concert, we went back-stage to get his autograph. There was a long queue, and imagine my parents horror, when I dived between everyones legs and emerged at the front! I got a hug, a kiss and his autograph, all of which is one of my most treasured memories.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 29 Mar 02 - 04:03 PM

count one US citizen who also loves, honors and respects the man for his music, his convictions, his courage, his struggle. His Wales movie is available on video, must watch it again.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Escamillo
Date: 29 Mar 02 - 09:46 PM

I'm a little embarrased because I will now insist on my request for lyrics of a song very hard to find: LOVE SONG, from the movie SANDERS OF THE RIVER, approx. 1930. I do have a CD but the reprocessed sound is really bad and I can't understand 10% of what Paul sings. I love that song, it is something unforgettable, and the few times I've sung it in public, I confess I really MUMBLED some parts (in front of a Spanish-speaking audience, of course). These are some verses:

Where you go, my heart will follow after

There's no road you can't steer me by,

Joy or woe, your sadness and your laughter

I will share with you until I die ..

Thanks and sorry for the off-topic. Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: nutty
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 07:56 AM

Having watched Sanders of the River at least half a dozen times, I remember the song as.....

Where you go my heart will follow after
There's no road you can escape me by
Joy or warmth, your sorrow and your laughter
I will share with you until I die

There's a new magic in the air, magic everywhere
Magic in the breeze among the trees
It is new
Ever since you came, nothing's been the same
Just to speak your name sets me all aflame
Ever since I fell underneath your spell .. Lillongo

Where you go my heart will follow after
There's no road you can escape me by
Joy or warmth, your sorrow and your laughter
I will share with you until I die

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: nutty
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 08:00 AM

I should also add that Paul's renderition of such songs as Water Boy and Swing Low Sweet Chariot that led me to a lifelong interest in folk music.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Mark Clark
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 12:15 PM

Mark, I have no personal stories about Mr. Robeson but my all-time favorite song in the world is “Song of My Hands”, a song my only source said he learned from Robeson. I've never been able to find any recording of the song or even a citation indicating that Robeson sang and recorded it.

Do you supose your friend could fill in the details on this song?

Thanks,

      - Mark

---

Link fixed. Link opens a new window. --JoeClone

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 02:03 PM

I have been a lifelong admirer of Paul Robeson, the artist and the man,and I take delight in passing on this story told to me by the folklorist Kenny Goldstein. The late Kenny Goldstein I'm sad to say. Kenny was in Scotland doing song collecting at the same time as Paul Robeson was to do a concert in Aberdeen (memory is fallible so it might have been elsewhere in Scotland). Kenny had been collecting from a local farmworker who was a traditional singer. This man told Kenny of his admiration for Robeson and how he would love to meet him. As a friend of Robeson Kenny was able to fix up an after-concert meeting between the two men. Paul Robeson, after giving a memorable concert made time to talk with the singing farmworker who was naturally overwhelmed with delight at meeting his hero. He asked for Robeson's autograph. Paul said "yes, but first, sing me one of your songs". The man sang a Scottish traditional song, Paul then sang to him. The two spent about an hour singing to each other before Paul had to leave, giving the man a handshake and an autograph. Now there is a story that illustrates the true measure of a great humanitarian.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Escamillo
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 02:17 PM

You are a blessing, Nutty ! Now I'll feel confident on what I'm saying :)) That song is beautiful, and produces some mixture of surprise and delight in the audience.

What is "Lillongo" ? Is it the name of the character ? That would be the only word I don't understand in the lyrics. Thanks a lot !

Un abrazo - Andrés (a classic choir's tenor also led by Paul Robeson to the world of spirituals and folk)

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: nutty
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 07:44 PM

Lillongo was the woman in the film that Robeson's character was in love with.
Glad to be of help ....I've always loved the song as well

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Gareth
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 12:43 PM

I got down to Tiger Bay (aka Cardiff Bay these days) and had a good look at the exhibition.

Some interesting original stuff there recalled and recorded by those who had known Paul Robeson in the past. Including his visit to Butetown in 1947 to visit an old comrade of his who had retired (sought asylum ?) in Cardiff, and was living in Loudoun Sq., (BTW Loudoun Sq., still exists as a Street Name, but the old terraced houses have been pulled down, and replaced by new build terraced houses.)

The exhibition was small but I did manage to obtain a commemorative booklet giving a synopsis of Paul Robesons links with South Wales, and the South Wales Miners Federation.

I have scanned this and converted it into a Word file - It's 2.75 Mb - If anyone wants a copy PM me with your E Mail address and I will try and transmit it.

School parties are encouraged to visit the History Centre, and I was struck by one message left by a schoolgirl. I think it is worthy of repeating :-

"Hello, my name is Jayne. What colour am I ??! Does it matter ??
Jayne"

I would recomend this exhibition to anyone visting Cardiff.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,andymac
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 03:24 PM

Logged on and noticed this thread. I never met the great man but here in Glasgow there are many people who did and I've heard several stories of him 2nd hand from them. e.g. The time he was booked for a concert in Glasgow City Halls but the American govt. wouldn't let him travel. Instead tyhe concert took place with Paul Robeson singing in the US to an obscure radio station which then was broadcast to the capacity crowd (2000+) in the City Halls. People who were therte informed me that you couldn't move for the crowd who had only a pair of speakers on stage. That was the power of the man and of his appeal across here. I also have seen photos of his concert in Queen's Park (I think ) in the late 50s which again was filled to capacity but heard no stories of it.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Gareth
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 03:32 PM

In 1957 Paul Robeson was invited to appear as guest of Honour at the Miners Gala at Porthcawl.

Without a passport he could not attend. A telephone link was instigated, and he sang, a a solo, and as lead singer with the various choirs.

Gareth

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 03:44 PM

I have many memories of hearing my parents talk, with awe, of hearing and seeing the great Paul Robeson on stage in New York during the 1920's when they lived there. I seem to remember that it was in the Broadway Show when he sang "Old Man River". To my great delight in 1958 soon after Easter I think , I heard him "live" in Trafalgar Square. He addressed the Aldermaston to London CND marchers that day and , naturally the crowd roared for him to finish with a rendition of "Old Man River", which he did, over a simple PA system, unaccompanied. The people there went wild and gave him a tremendous ovation.I was a very special introduction to a Great City for an eighteen year old Irish Immigrant that I will never forget.

beach

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Mark Ross
Date: 01 Apr 02 - 04:03 PM

I never had the privilege of hearing him perform except on record. My parents had the 78's of BALLAD FOR AMERICANS and I must have worn them down unmercifully, I played them so many times when I was young. What a voice to grow up listening to!

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: GUEST,another Robseon biographer
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 01:43 AM

My favorite Paul Robeson story:

Paul Robeson leads a horse into a bar. Bartender looks at the horse, and asks: "Why the long face?"

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Ian Darby
Date: 02 Apr 02 - 08:07 PM

Gareth,

They played the bit that you mentioned on BBC Radio 4 a while back.

The connection Robeson had with the Welsh Miners is almost surreal.

His Son just brought out part one of a biography which, I think, goes into this in some detail.

I believe Tyrone Power also suffered at the hands of the same Jackals that stopped Paul working.

If only Paul could see the effect that his music continues to have on people.

The Manic Street Preachers recently recorded an album track called 'Let Robeson Sing'

What a guy..

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Hollowfox
Date: 07 Apr 02 - 08:46 PM

The February 16, 1998 issue of AB Bookman's Weekly magazine (AB = Antiquarian Bookseller) had an article by Charles L Blockson called "Paul Robeson, Bibliophile Extraordinaire" PM me an address and I'll be glad to send anybody a photocopy of my photocopy of the article. Also, if she hasn't heard John McCutcheon's story about the Sydney (Australia) opera house, she should get in touch with him. (I don't want to give it away) It may be on his "Live at Wolf Trap" album as an introduction/companion piece to the song "Joe Hill". His website is www.folkmusic.com.

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 07 Apr 02 - 10:50 PM

Thanks, folks. My friend told me yesterday she hasn't had a chance to do more than glance at this thread but she appreciates the input and will look at it more closely soon.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Seeking Paul Robeson stories
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 08 Apr 02 - 04:28 AM

Hallo.

Last summer at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, they held a Paul Robeson exhibition.

I went to it, it was very good, informative, full of material about him and history. Songs, books, photographs and plenty of background history to Paul and his links to South Wales and the Valleys.

I'm sure if you contacted the museum they may be able to help you with any information about Paul... Though I should imagine your friend would have known about this exhibition??

Anyways, I thought it was a fantastic exhibition, they also displayed some of his costumes, as well as showing films. THey also had a wall where school children and visitors were invited to write their thoughts about Paul on the wall, it was massive, and full of peoples writings.

The National Museum of Wales, Park Place, Cardiff.

Hope that is of use>

Regards

Ella