Paul Robeson:Ballad for Americans

A tribute to a great singer,actor and activist.Ballad for Americans by Earl Robinson-John Latouche with the Americans Peoples Chorus,the Victor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shilkret.Recorded in 1940

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Robeson
• America
• folk

[buffalojimbo]

My father loved this recording and played it over and over for me when I was 10 yrs. old back in 1946. Every time I hear it I get chills. One afternoon my father took me to a concert by Paul Robeson on Long Island. I remember meeting Mr. Robeson and sitting on his knee. I will never forget the commanding presence of this giant of a man. Years later I heard a recording of Ballad for Americans by Frank Sinatra. It brought back fond memories of that meeting with one of Americas great men.

[jwccc47]

Thankyou for sharing that wonderful memory.I am sure Frank's version wasn't as good as Paul Robeson's.

[mporte84]

You have no idea what a big deal this is to me. My father, Sgt. K.B.Porter Sr., gave me this record for Christmas (in 1954 or 1955) when I was very little. After he died and we moved in with an uncle, my mother got rid of my records. She said she had found out (from her brother, I guess) they were recorded by communists. I never knew the title, and haven't heard it since I was 6. I've been looking for it my whole life. Thanks for posting it.

[jwccc47]

I am Very happy you found it.I do believe it is on a cd but this is the best version.

[mmarks4]

Correction, I should be saying two 78 disks, making four sides.

[mmarks4]

I first listened to this from my father's set of four 78s. I've never lost my admiration for Robeson. Some say he was foolish politically but I say he was just ahead of his time.

Sara Fishko on WNYC On Demand discusses the interesting history of the Ballad, and how it was actually something of a hit for some mainstream crooners.

[huzone600]

I could tell a similar story. I remember my folks taking me to hear Paul Robeson when I was a kid. They played this record all the time.

[pleasuresyrene]

@mporte84 -- A terrible loss, among so many, was the lives and careers destroyed by Joe McCarthy and his lies about Communists. Paul Robeson admired the Soviet Union -- as many did in the years after WW II -- but never knew about the appalling acts of Stalin. He was just a fine, fine man.

[krmmr]

Unbelievable to be so ignorant, to toss out records and music. I'm glad you found it, and teach your children to listen and enjoy, without politics. Wagner was the world's worst anti-semite, but this doesn't make his music bad. Let's keep an open mind, and show the ignorant that they should learn.

[krmmr]

I was part of the choir and had a small part to say and he answered me. It was a thrill, even though I was still quite young. He was a big, impressive man, with a fantastic voice. He was treated badly, because senator Mc Carthy, and it was cruel and not fair. I also have the CD, and love listening to it.

[gluups]

I did'nt know ths singer with this superb voice, i discover him here with several elements on his story : thank you for the post.

A french woman, Monique.

[Arjack210]

We sang this Ballad for our grammer school graduation @ Haugan School in Chicago. I loved it then and loved hearing it again now. It is a true patriotic song that has so much meaning. It was great in the 50's and just as meaningful today in 2011. It's a song for all time if you love America and what she stands for! (Freedom for All)

[jwccc47]

@m1rmart Yes they do.

[m1rmart]

@MingnonDunn

I was a member of the WEB DuBois Club in Oceanside, LI, NY and went to the 1963 March On Washington with them---I was 13 and I was sure Justice would prevail very soon. Ha! But I still never assumed we would be signing 'Hail to the Chief' to Barack Obama in my lifetime----so dreams DO come true.