Show Boat

Paul Robeson

Robeson was the epitome of versatility. He could act, sing, dance and write with the best of them. At a time when discrimination was unfettered, he won lead roles in plays like "All God's Chillun Got Wings" and "The Emperor Jones." The lead role of "Show Boat" was ... more written for him.

His performance of folk songs like "Ol' Man River" and "Go Down Moses" were some of the most popular of his day.

But his political views caused him no end of hardship and left much of his work unappreciated.

Robeson passed away in 1976. (Everett Collection)