American singer, actor, and political activist
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As the last official entry in Countermelody's Black History Month 2026 series, I bring you a potpourri episode that has long been a dream of mine: one dedicated entirely to the Spiritual, that distinctly American musical form that was born in adversity (specifically enslavement, murder, torture, family separation) and yet by a confluence of miracles yielded the most transcendentally beautiful music ever heard on this beleaguered planet. This is no scholarly exegesis of the form (there are others much better-versed in its history than I); it is rather a celebration of nearly a century of great performances of these songs by the finest concert singers of the twentieth century, beginning with Harry Thacker Burleigh through Janet Williams and the late Roberta Alexander (it still hurts my heart to write this!) In between, many additional Countermelody favorites are heard, including Dorothy Maynor, Marian Anderson, Todd Duncan, Jules Bledsoe, Paul Robeson, Margaret Tynes, Muriel Smith, Gloria Davy, Roland Hayes, Veronica Tyler, Adele Addison, Charles Holland, Anne Wiggins Brown, Robert McFerrin, Camilla Williams, Inez Matthews, and Miss Leontyne Price in arrangements by such exceptional African American composers as Julia Perry, Nathaniel Dett, William Grant Still, Undine Smith Moore, Hall Johnson, and Florence Price. There was so much material that, with regret, I had to leave by the wayside that you can be sure that there will be an additional spirituals episode in the very near future! I dedicate this episode to my beloved mother, who loved these songs, and to all those who have recently lost loved ones. Countermelody is the podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and author yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.
On Book Lust, host Nancy Pearl talks with journalist Howard Bryant about his book, "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America." The conversation explores Bryant’s research into the complicated legacies of two towering civil rights figures, baseball legend Jackie Robinson and musician, actor, athlete, and activist Paul Robeson. Bryant examines how their Cold War–era divide shaped the civil rights movement and forced difficult choices on Black leaders in a deeply divided America. The result is a gripping look at power, protest, patriotism, and what history chooses to remember or forget.
Trump's State of the Union speech was predictable, but nevertheless revealing of his state of mind. John Nichols has our analysis.Also: In 1949 when Jackie Robinson appeared before HUAC, the House Un-American Activities Committee, to discredit Paul Robeson. Howard Bryant talks about why that happened, and what happened afterwards - to each of them. His new book is “Kings and Pawns.”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Trump's State of the Union speech was predictable, but nevertheless revealing of his state of mind. John Nichols has our analysis.Also: In 1949 when Jackie Robinson appeared before HUAC, the House Un-American Activities Committee, to discredit Paul Robeson. Howard Bryant talks about why that happened, and what happened afterwards - to each of them. His new book is “Kings and Pawns.”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
freie-radios.net (Radio Freies Sender Kombinat, Hamburg (FSK))
Tamizdat-Radio macht eine Kollaboration mit Moréniké, die den Podcast Beneath.Between.Beyond aufnimmt. Im Gespräch steht die Ausstellung „Entangled Voices. The Paul Robeson Project“, die noch bis zum 21. Februar 2026 im Mom Art Space Hamburg zu sehen ist. Thematisiert werden Leben und Wirken des US-amerikanischen Sängers, Schauspielers und Bürgerrechtsaktivisten Paul Robeson sowie seine Beziehungen zur Sowjetunion.
The Denver City Council has unanimously advanced a proposal to ban law enforcement from wearing masks and to require them to show identification. It was prompted by the actions of unidentifiable ICE agents who've been arresting people across the country. Then, Coloradans vacationing in Puerto Vallarta share their experiences after violence and explosions following the death of a notorious drug cartel kingpin. Also, how one woman's quest to get a birth certificate is changing guidelines in Colorado. And "Black History Live Chautauqua" honors the legacy of Paul Robeson.
“You white-livered, lying, hypocritical beast!” Body and Soul (1925) produced, written, directed and distributed by Oscar Micheaux and starring Paul Robeson, Mercedes Gilbert, Julia Theresa Russell, Lawrence Chenault and Marshall Rogers Next Time: Parasite (2019)
Greg Jenner is joined in twentieth-century America by Dr Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins and comedian Desiree Burch to learn all about singer and Hollywood actress Lena Horne. Born into a middle class Black family in New York, a young Lena Horne soon followed in the footsteps of her actress mother and made her début at the famous Cotton Club aged only 16. After making her name as a singer and performer – and following the end of her tumultuous first marriage – Horne transferred to the west coast and bagged a Hollywood contract with MGM. There, she appeared in a number of classic films, including Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky. Over the next several years, she would also perform for the troops in the Second World War, fall in love with and marry a white composer and arranger, undertake an international tour, and become one of the most popular nightclub performers of the post-war era. But the racism of segregation-era America would also shape and limit the career of the woman known as ‘the first Black pin-up girl', eventually leading her to the civil rights movement and Black activism in the 1960s. This episode traces Lena's journey from young dancer to Hollywood star and renowned vocalist, along the way exploring her connections with figures including Billie Holliday and Martin Luther King Jr., and the injustice she spent so much of her career fighting against. If you're a fan of the history of cinema, mid-century America, and Black cultural icons, you'll love our episode on Lena Horne. If you want more musical icons with Desiree Burch, listen to our episodes on Paul Robeson, Josephine Baker, and Broadway Musicals. And for more film history, check out our episodes on the history of Bollywood and Sarah Bernhardt. You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Rosalyn Sklar Written by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars
This is a very special episode of the Black Baseball Mixtape podcast. Award-winning author, journalist, and producer Howard Bryant returns to the Mixtape. Cheats and HB go one-on-one discussing his new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. The conversation takes place in the immediate aftermath of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., and Bryant and Cheats take a moment at the start of the episode to reflect on his legacy. The book is a must-read. Cheats and Bryant discuss many themes in the book, including the looming presence of the Cold War, the overeconomic climate affecting both Robinson and Robeson, political leadership, and, of course, the business of baseball. But the magic of the conversation is how they apply the themes of the '50s, '60s, and '70s to today's landscape.Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson are giants. But one's legacy, Robinson, is criminally misunderstood, while the other, Robeson, is woefully overlooked, even forgotten. The book tells an amazing story about these two men, and this podcast is an excellent companion.
JD catches up with Howard Bryant, author of the book "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America"Visit us on Substack!
In the spirit of GORDON PARK and PAUL ROBESON, J. David Shanks prides himself on being the contemporary renaissance man. He's a writer, producer, and actor with aspirations of adding to his hyphenated list of industry skill sets, Director for feature films and television series.David is a graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He received his MFA in Producing for Film, Television, and New Media from the world-renowned Peter Stark Producing Program. His writing credits include NBC's SHADES OF BLUE, FOX Television's SHOTS FIRED, SHOWTIME's THE CHI and the critically acclaimed NETFLIX SERIES SEVEN SECONDS where his episode, MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH won the 2019 NAACP IMAGE AWARD for Outstanding Writing in a Television Drama.Presently, David is working under an overall deal with AMC Network. He is currently the Executive Producer/ Co-Showrunner for the AMC SERIES 61st STREET and EP on CROSS S2 & S3.Another don't miss episode y'all!
As we celebrate Black History month, we'll dive into the deep pool of the Black musical tradition. Our guest is associate professor of communication at Wheaton College and Scholar-in-Residence at The Redemption Church, Dr. Theon Hill. How do the rhythms and melodies of faith, resilience, and hope shape the Christian worship we experience today? Don't miss the musical conversation on Chris Fabry Live. Songs discussed:Paul Robeson, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"Billie Holiday, "Strange Fruit"The Edwin Hawkins Singers, "Oh Happy Day"Marvin Gaye, "What's Going On"Tupac Shakur, "Keep Ya Head Up" February thank you gift:The Love Language That Matters Most by Gary Chapman and Les & Leslie Parrott Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us for an engaging episode of The Straight Dope Show, where we dive deep into the rich history of hip-hop and its cultural significance, featuring discussions on iconic figures like Heavy D and the evolution of the genre. We also explore the complexities of race, privilege, and societal structures, drawing parallels to contemporary issues and historical figures like Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson. With a mix of humor and insightful commentary, this episode promises to challenge your perspectives while keeping you entertained. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation—tune in now!Download Rock Da Crowd TV on Roku, Apple, and Android devices.[00:01:26] Heavy D's impact on hip-hop.[00:06:18] Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson.[00:10:41] Mindset and competition dynamics.[00:12:33] Chosen people and beliefs.[00:19:41] Distrust in government systems.[00:22:41] Community and societal collapse.[00:27:08] Political leaders and trust issues.[00:28:56] Intelligence and media credibility.[00:32:07] Winning and popularity in politics.[00:40:05] Coaching strategies and player performance.[00:44:19] Privilege in basketball dynamics.[00:47:12] Kings versus Warriors rivalry.[00:51:06] NorCal basketball culture.[00:58:30] Russell's independence vs. industry deals.[01:01:35] Artist ownership and industry deals.[01:05:01] Feelings vs. Facts in Opinions.[01:10:00] Isolation of Jackie Robinson.[01:13:21] The struggle for recognition.[01:15:33] Content creator burnout and happiness.[01:19:28] The cycle of dopamine craving.[01:25:15] Black representation in anime.[01:27:37] Jason Momoa's acting ability.
Two new books focus on lesser-known chapters of Black history. First, Kings & Pawns tells the story of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson, who were pitted against each other during the Red Scare. In today's episode, author Howard Bryant, a frequent contributor to NPR's Weekend Edition, speaks with Scott Simon about how the men got caught between patriotism and activism. Then, NPR investigative reporter Cheryl W. Thompson tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe about Forgotten Souls, a history of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen who went missing during World War II.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
“My life will be better if everybody else's life gets better”—that's the heartbeat of this Detroit is Different conversation with musician and lifelong activist Bill Meyer, where jazz isn't just sound, it's a human-rights practice. Bill takes us from his family's Depression-era move from Canada to Detroit, to learning piano out of pure little-brother defiance—“the only way I could stop him was if I went and sat on the piano bench”—and into the moment he first saw racism up close as a child and knew something was deeply wrong. He breaks down how he didn't understand “the politics” of jazz until college, when Vietnam-era organizing radicalized him, and he started naming the truth: “Jazz is black music,” and too often “the black people created it…and the white people made all the money.” From producing a 1987 Detroit tribute to Paul Robeson to building a 24-year jam-session institution at Bert's, Bill calls community-building “a political project”—using music to cross lines, support Black business, and push peace and justice. This episode connects past movements to future ones with a simple charge: “Music is love…bring people together.” Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com
Harvard national security expert Juliette Kayyem on the latest tranche of Epstein files and Trump's comments about nationalizing elections.A special live music Wednesday performance by jazz and contemporary composer Farayi Malek, ahead of a performance at the Umbrella Arts Center in partnership with the Salt Lick Incubator. We also talk to Eileen Williston, executive director of The Umbrella Arts Center. Journalist and author Howard Bryant discusses his book, "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America."
Van and Rachel react to the Grammys before discussing the arrests of journalists who were covering the protests in Minnesota and former Trump supporters Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz speaking against the president. Then, the host of The Town, Matt Belloni, sheds light on the box office performance of ‘Melania' before author Howard Bryant joins to discuss his latest book, 'Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.' (0:00) Intro (3:49) 2026 Grammys (16:14) Journalists arrested (37:56) Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz on Trump (59:26) Matthew Belloni joins to talk ‘Melania' (1:29:23) Howard Bryant joins to talk Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson (1:59:42) Sha'Carri Richardson jailed for speeding Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Matthew Belloni and Howard Bryant Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to Episode 70 of the Princeton Podcast, sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton - encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community.In this episode, mayor Mark Freda sits down with Kevin Wilkes, Founder and Managing Partner at Princeton Design Guild.Kevin shares his experiences in local governance, including his tenure on the Borough Council from 2008 to 2013. He also discusses his involvement with Princeton Future, a citizen advocacy group focused on town planning and the successful preservation of the public library downtown.Kevin delves into his architectural work, including the significant renovation of the former post office into Triumph Brewery. He also shares his passion project: the restoration of Paul Robeson's birthplace into a community center.Finally, Kevin talks about his architectural firm, Princeton Design Guild, its evolution, and its upcoming projects, including a new building for the YWCA.This episode of The Princeton Podcast is produced by the podcast production team at HG Media.Visit Website
Eric Bibb is a blues music legend. In this conversation he talks about his teenage life growing up in the middle of the New York civil rights movement. The people he knew... Paul Robeson, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger ..... and how his father Leon Bibb continues to be an inspiration. In the middle of an increasingly wayward world Eric Bibb is a voice of sanity.
It may be Groundhog Day, but I'm talking about Show Boat, the Hammerstein & Kern Broadway musical that was turned into a big-budget movie. Any film with singing that also has subplots about deadbeat husbands, alcoholism and racism (and a scene with blackface) risks failing to pull off such a tricky balance, but Frankenstein director James Whale DOES make it work. He's got Irene Dunne, Allan Jones and Paul Robeson in key roles in the one where performers on a touring boat in the Deep South…eventually end up in Chicago for about half of the often erroneously-titled movie. So let this ol' man podcaster talk to you about "Ol' Man River" (and so much more) in this 713th dash of Have You Ever Seen podcasting. Well, Actually: around the 39:00 mark, the line SHOULD have been that Hammerstein and RODGERS (not Kern) were especially big in the '50s. Subscribe to the podcast in your app. Rate the show and write a review too. Also, hunt down my link on Letterboxd: RyanHYES. To offer your feedback, email me (haveyoueverseenpodcast@gmail.com), tweet me (@moviefiend51) or try Bluesky (ryan-ellis).
Two giants of African American History share a connection few understood … until now. Jackie Robinson, the first Black player to integrate Major League Baseball, and artist and activist Paul Robeson became opposing voices amid the anti-communist fervor of the 20th century. Author Howard Bryant reveals a never-before-told story of how their historic intersection helped shape racial progress for decades to come in his latest book, “Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America” -- our February selection for Bookmarked: The "Under the Radar" Book Club and part of our tribute to Black History Month.
John & Heidi share funny stories of people doing weird things... plus John chats with a guest. We visit with author Howard Bryant about his new book "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America" - https://amzn.to/4q3aHB3Learn more about our radio program, podcast & blog at www.JohnAndHeidiShow.com
A new book tells the story of how famed baseball player Jackie Robinson ended up testifying in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee to speak against fellow Black athlete, musician, and actor Paul Robeson. Author Howard Bryant discusses his book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant will be speaking Thursday evening at the Jackie Robinson Museum.
At the beginning of the Cold War in 1949, Jackie Robinson appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee to disavow the comments of another prominent Black American, actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson. That testimony is the subject of "Kings and Pawns" by Howard Bryant. Amna Nawaz sat down with Bryant to unpack the forces that ultimately pitted the men against each other. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
On what America misunderstands about Jackie Robinson and needs to understand about Paul Robeson. On what history can teach us about 2026 madness. On why the mythology of Branch Rickey is a departure from reality. On the modern approach to book PR.
At the beginning of the Cold War in 1949, Jackie Robinson appeared before the House Un-American Activities Committee to disavow the comments of another prominent Black American, actor, singer and activist Paul Robeson. That testimony is the subject of "Kings and Pawns" by Howard Bryant. Amna Nawaz sat down with Bryant to unpack the forces that ultimately pitted the men against each other. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Howard Bryant, author and ESPN journalist, discusses his new book, “Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
"Characters make books. Why are these guys in opposition? And were they actually really? How can you be in opposition with someone you never met? How can you be in opposition with somebody who's essentially sharing the same plight you're sharing in the country? And that brings in the other character. It's Branch Rickey. Branch Rickey is the puppet master of this entire book. Branch Rickey is the puppet master of that entire period," says Howard Bryant, author of Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.We've got Howard Bryant (@howardbryantbooks) back on the show for Ep. 509. Howard is the best-selling author of several books and his latest is Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. It's published by Mariner Books.Howard's book takes a new framing on two iconic Black American icons of the 20th century. Very few people know much about Paul Robeson, who was a brilliant football player, but perhaps more famous as a baritone singer and stage actor. Jackie Robinson was the first Black American to play major league baseball, breaking the color barrier in baseball.The two were separated by some twenty years, never met in person, but were pitted against each other during the second Red Scare, kings turned into pawns. The authoritarian, McCarythian overreach of the era very much echoes our current moment. Robeson's career, his life, was ruined. It's a complicated story brilliantly orchestrated by one of the best writers this country has on offer.Howard is the author of The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron, Juicing the Game: Drugs, Power, and the Fight for the Soul of Major League Baseball, Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original, The Heritage: Black Athletes, A Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism, and Full Dissidence: Notes from an Uneven Playing Field, and he also was the guest editor of The Best American Sports Writing Series. You're in for a treat. You can learn more about Howard at howardbryant.net and follow him on IG @howardbryantbooks.In this episode we talk about: When you know it's a book Who are your stars? How he reshaped the book by fixing the introduction How he bridged the gap between Robinson and Robeson's timelines How Branch Rickey, this vaunted angle of integration, wasn't exactly so holy And Howard's favorite thing about writingOrder The Front RunnerWelcome to Pitch ClubShow notes: brendanomeara.com
A fascinating conversation with Howard Bryant about his brand new book 'Kings and Pawns,' the intertwined legacies of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson, how both remain hugely influential in American culture and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 1 features John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan recapping the 49ers’ season, addressing potential defensive coordinator candidates, and opening up about the strong bond that drives their partnership. We’re also joined by award‑winning author Howard Bryant to discuss his new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America, and the powerful intersections of sports, culture, and history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Howard Bryant joins the show to discuss his powerful new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America, exploring the cultural impact and complicated legacy of two American icons. He also breaks down how the Dodgers’ ownership has reshaped the modern baseball landscape and shares his perspective on this year’s new Baseball Hall of Famers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 1 features John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan recapping the 49ers’ season, addressing potential defensive coordinator candidates, and opening up about the strong bond that drives their partnership. We’re also joined by award‑winning author Howard Bryant to discuss his new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America, and the powerful intersections of sports, culture, and history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Howard Bryant joins the show to discuss his powerful new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America, exploring the cultural impact and complicated legacy of two American icons. He also breaks down how the Dodgers’ ownership has reshaped the modern baseball landscape and shares his perspective on this year’s new Baseball Hall of Famers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of "The Right Time," Bomani Jones engages in a deep conversation with Howard Bryant about his new book, "Kings and Pawns," which explores the intertwined lives of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson. The discussion highlights the historical significance of both figures, particularly focusing on Robinson's testimony against Robeson before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1949. Bryant emphasizes the erasure of Robeson's legacy and the complexities of Robinson's role in the civil rights movement, illustrating how both men navigated their identities and the expectations society placed on them. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of race, patriotism, and the sacrifices made by Black Americans in their pursuit of equality. You can purchase the book at https://howardbryantbooks.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Award-winning and best-selling author and journalist Howard Bryant (Rickey, The Last Hero) joins Daniel Ford on the show to discuss his book Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. To learn more about Howard Bryant, visit his official website. This episode is sponsored by Libro.fm and the Is It Streaming podcast, the newest addition to the Writer's Bone Podcast Network.
My interview with Howard Bryant, author of "Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America"
Welcome to 2026, where we're going to go through the first 100 years of the American Musical from its earliest days until the present to track the changes along the way. As a musical once said, the beginning is a very good place to start, so we're starting with 1927's Showboat -- arguably the beginning of what we'd come to call the American Musical. Written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, Showboat brought a seriousness of topic and of purpose to the musical stage while still incorporating elements of what had gone before. It was the smash of its day, running for well over 500 performances -- unheard of at the time for musicals. In this episode, we discuss one of that show's most enduring songs, "Ol' Man River," and how the song and its theme is intimately connected to what made Showboat such a groundbreaking show. All clips are from the 1936 film adaptation of Showboat faeturing Paul Robeson and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. N.B. This episode discusses matters of race and racism and alludes to racial slurs. Listener discretion is advised. Watch the scene from the film Listen to the original performer, Jules Bledsoe See Judy Garland performing the song in 1963 Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com Recommended Reading/Viewing: Ethan Mordden, Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theater (Mordden's other volumes are also excellent resources for more in-depth discussion) Broadway: The American Musical
We're a week away from launching our 2026 campaign, beginning with Howard Bryant, author of Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America, but we wanted to dust off our feed and take a moment to celebrate a milestone in the Writer's Bone Podcast Network. Daniel Paisner's podcast As Told To: The Ghostwriting Podcast cracked 100 episodes a couple of months ago and we wanted to share it here and have Paisner on to talk about what it means for him. Original show notes: Nelson and Alex DeMille's The Tin Men is an electrifying read and a chillingly timely one," writes The New York Times best-selling novelist Megan Abbott of the third and final father-son collaboration in the Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor series. "[It's] both a master-class in suspense and a haunting exploration of the dangers and costs of a surrender to technology, an abandonment of the human." Yes, it is. It's also the final novel from legendary author Nelson DeMille, completed posthumously following his death in September 2024, and a follow-up to the duo's first two collaborations in the series—The Deserter and Blood Lines, both immediate New York Times best-sellers. Its publication offers Alex DeMille an opportunity to reflect on growing up under the influence of one of our finest storytellers—a backdrop that at first inspired Alex to become a filmmaker. A graduate of the MFA program in film at UCLA, Alex's films have won many awards and fellowships, and have played at festivals worldwide, including "My Nephew Emmett, " which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short in 2018. "I want to thank my father," he writes in an emotional grace note to the new book, "who might be reading this somewhere among the stars with a good scotch in hand. Thank you for all you've given me, all you've taught me, for your love, your encouragement, for making me laugh and making me think. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for showing me the way. I hope this makes you proud." Learn more about Alex DeMille: Website Instagram Threads Twitter Facebook Please support the sponsors who support our show: Gotham Ghostwriters' Gathering of the Ghosts Ritani Jewelers Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Daniel Paisner's SHOW: The Making and Unmaking of a Network Television Pilot Heaven Help Us by John Kasich Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership Film Freaks Forever! podcast, hosted by Mark Jordan Legan and Phoef Sutton Everyday Shakespeare podcast A Mighty Blaze podcast The Writer's Bone Podcast Network Misfits Market (WRITERSBONE) | $15 off your first order Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Wizard Pins (WRITERSBONE) | 20% discount
Send us a textIntro: Tea For Two by Marion Harris (1925)5. Rhapsody in Blue by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra (1924)4. My Blue Heaven by Gene Austin (1927)3. Ol' Man River by Paul Robeson (1928)2. Ain't Misbehavin' by Fats Waller (1929)1. Swanee by Al Jolson (1920)Outro: Someone to Watch Over Me by Gertrude Lawrence (1927)
For Episode 83 of STARK REALITY, Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange presents a special edition and keeps it semi local to roll the tattered red carpet out to NYC for a 2nd conversation with radio veteran, promoter and activist REGGIE JOHNSON. This episode is part of a promo for an event that Jim and Reggie are throwing January 24th at Starr Bar in Brooklyn, a benefit for Electronic Intifada. They of course talk about a range of topics, Palestine, the important role of independent journalism since corp media is propaganda, recent bs with Venezuela, David Mancuso and his ethos with the Loft parties, the great work Electronic Intifada has done covering this genocide, and much more. You can find info for the January 24th event and tickets here: https://posh.vip/e/intifada-is-freedom-a-benefit-for-electronic-intifada REGGIE JOHNSON is a pro audio engineer, radio show host, party promoter and all around good ppls. He's been working as an engineer behind the boards at WBAI Pacifica for a few decades, and co-hosting Jeanie Hopper's Liquid Sound Lounge since '98. His own radio show From the Soundboard has been running since 2007, a 'program that usually focuses on concerts regardless of genre. This is where the artist and (or) group perfects the art of the "call and response" with its audience.' He does great deep dives on all kinds of artists and groups like Gal Costa, Link Wray, Yusef Lateef, Paul Robeson, Ramsey Lewis and many others. He's also helped promote parties since 1998 and has a longtime summer thing called Beats & BBQ. In his own words, he's 'just an average individual who believes in Socialist principles through music, arts and action. Everything is connected to everything.' Listen to Reggie's first in-depth Stark Reality interview and exclusive African funk playlist at the links below, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://jasoncharles.net/podcast/stark-reality/reggie-johnson-the-stark-reality-interview https://jasoncharles.net/podcast/stark-reality/reggie-johnsons-exclusive-african-funk-stark-reality-playlist For all of Host James Dier aka DJ $mall ¢hange's in-depth interviews and exclusive guest playlists, Subscribe to both STARK REALITY and STARK REALITY PLAYLISTS on Apple Podcasts, Mixcloud or live & direct on uptownradio.net / jasoncharles.net Podcast Network Music Channel's STARK REALITY Series PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 'Wait, What Is That' Podcast, hostsBrandon and Katie discuss the Peekskill Riots of 1949 with John Scott Bennett,a filmmaker who has chronicled this significant yet under-discussed event inAmerican history. The conversation centers on the riots that erupted duringconcerts by Paul Robeson, an African American singer, actor, and civil rightsactivist, who faced violent opposition from the Peekskill community and the KuKlux Klan. Bennett, a history graduate from Manhattanville College, sharesinsights into local history, how the riots were a reaction to Robeson'spolitical stance, particularly his support for the Soviet Union, and how theseevents have been systematically erased or undermined in local historynarratives. The episode also explores Robeson's legacy, his subsequentblacklisting, and the broader implications for civil rights and historicalmemory.00:00 Introduction and Hosts Introduction00:32 Introducing John Scott Bennett01:24 The Peekskill Riots: A Historical Overview02:40 Paul Robeson and His Impact04:11 Discovering Local History08:26 The Ku Klux Klan's Influence11:19 Economic and Social Tensions13:59 Paul Robeson's Legacy and Struggles36:51 The First Peekskill Riot40:49 Catholics Fight Back Against the Klan41:25 The Jewish Summer Camp Incident42:27 Obstacles in Documenting Peekskill History43:34 The Peekskill Museum Controversy45:34 Paul Robeson's Struggle and Legacy57:52 The Decline of the Klan01:03:15 Community Response and Support01:04:25 Creating the Documentary Series01:07:32 Personal Reflections and Future Plans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8E9TAk1LV8 George Korkovelos, Cultural Secretary of the Communist Party of Great Britain (M-L), gives a short but powerful presentation of the lasting cultural legacy of the Great Socialist October Revolution of 1917. Lenin and the Bolsheviks, in revolutionising Russia, set culture the task of going amongst the working class and peasant masses to truly serve it. The masses must be elevated to the heights of culture. Culture should not be flattened to its lower level. The October Revolution was a true renaissance in human activity and this was reflected in the flowering of its culture. Turning from words to song: George introduces Comrade Eleanore who sings three beautiful songs, each of profound revolutionary significance. 1. “Song of the Volga Boatmen”. A timeless song lamenting the oppression of the toilers, sighing under the oppression of serfdom in the Russian Empire. When Robeson sung the song he united it with the masses of the oppressed throughout the world, in particular with the sufferings of the oppressed black workers and peasants in the USA itself. 2. "Whirlwinds of Danger," an English translation of the Polish socialist revolutionary song "Warszawianka". Paul Robeson recorded a version of this song, much loved by the English and Welsh miners and working class. It was a song sung by the revolutionary people's movements abroad Europe, from Poland to Russia, during the period of the 1880s until the October Revolution. 3. “Bravely, comrades, let's march”. Lyrics by the revolutionary poet Leonid Petrovich Radin, written in 1897 following his imprisonment in Moscow's Taganskaya prison for his dedication to the liberation of the working masses. This song led the Russian workers to October and, enduring the Civil War, resounded on all fronts as the marching anthem of the Red Army. Comrade Eleanore's beautiful voice brings these sacred hymns of the working class to life for us once more. Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! www.thecommunists.org www.lalkar.org www.redyouth.org Telegram: t.me/thecommunists Twitter: twitter.com/cpgbml Soundcloud: @proletarianradio Rumble: rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: Each one teach one! www.londonworker.org/education-programme/ Join the struggle www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: www.thecommunists.org/donate/
Keller, Johanna www.deutschlandfunkkultur.de, Fazit
Arise Africa, Roar China: Black and Chinese Citizens of the World in the Twentieth Century (University of North Carolina Press, 2021) explores the close relationships between three of the most famous twentieth-century African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes, and their little-known Chinese allies during World War II and the Cold War--journalist, musician, and Christian activist Liu Liangmo, and Sino-Caribbean dancer-choreographer Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Charting a new path in the study of Sino-American relations, Gao Yunxiang foregrounds African Americans, combining the study of Black internationalism and the experiences of Chinese Americans with a transpacific narrative and an understanding of the global remaking of China's modern popular culture and politics. Gao reveals earlier and more widespread interactions between Chinese and African American leftists than accounts of the familiar alliance between the Black radicals and the Maoist Chinese would have us believe. The book's multilingual approach draws from massive yet rarely used archival streams in China and in Chinatowns and elsewhere in the United States. These materials allow Gao to retell the well-known stories of Du Bois, Robeson, and Hughes alongside the sagas of Liu and Chen in a work that will transform and redefine Afro-Asia studies. Hettie V. Williams Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of African American history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University where she teaches courses in African American history and U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies
Arise Africa, Roar China: Black and Chinese Citizens of the World in the Twentieth Century (University of North Carolina Press, 2021) explores the close relationships between three of the most famous twentieth-century African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes, and their little-known Chinese allies during World War II and the Cold War--journalist, musician, and Christian activist Liu Liangmo, and Sino-Caribbean dancer-choreographer Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Charting a new path in the study of Sino-American relations, Gao Yunxiang foregrounds African Americans, combining the study of Black internationalism and the experiences of Chinese Americans with a transpacific narrative and an understanding of the global remaking of China's modern popular culture and politics. Gao reveals earlier and more widespread interactions between Chinese and African American leftists than accounts of the familiar alliance between the Black radicals and the Maoist Chinese would have us believe. The book's multilingual approach draws from massive yet rarely used archival streams in China and in Chinatowns and elsewhere in the United States. These materials allow Gao to retell the well-known stories of Du Bois, Robeson, and Hughes alongside the sagas of Liu and Chen in a work that will transform and redefine Afro-Asia studies. Hettie V. Williams Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of African American history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University where she teaches courses in African American history and U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Arise Africa, Roar China: Black and Chinese Citizens of the World in the Twentieth Century (University of North Carolina Press, 2021) explores the close relationships between three of the most famous twentieth-century African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes, and their little-known Chinese allies during World War II and the Cold War--journalist, musician, and Christian activist Liu Liangmo, and Sino-Caribbean dancer-choreographer Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Charting a new path in the study of Sino-American relations, Gao Yunxiang foregrounds African Americans, combining the study of Black internationalism and the experiences of Chinese Americans with a transpacific narrative and an understanding of the global remaking of China's modern popular culture and politics. Gao reveals earlier and more widespread interactions between Chinese and African American leftists than accounts of the familiar alliance between the Black radicals and the Maoist Chinese would have us believe. The book's multilingual approach draws from massive yet rarely used archival streams in China and in Chinatowns and elsewhere in the United States. These materials allow Gao to retell the well-known stories of Du Bois, Robeson, and Hughes alongside the sagas of Liu and Chen in a work that will transform and redefine Afro-Asia studies. Hettie V. Williams Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of African American history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University where she teaches courses in African American history and U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies
Arise Africa, Roar China: Black and Chinese Citizens of the World in the Twentieth Century (University of North Carolina Press, 2021) explores the close relationships between three of the most famous twentieth-century African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes, and their little-known Chinese allies during World War II and the Cold War--journalist, musician, and Christian activist Liu Liangmo, and Sino-Caribbean dancer-choreographer Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Charting a new path in the study of Sino-American relations, Gao Yunxiang foregrounds African Americans, combining the study of Black internationalism and the experiences of Chinese Americans with a transpacific narrative and an understanding of the global remaking of China's modern popular culture and politics. Gao reveals earlier and more widespread interactions between Chinese and African American leftists than accounts of the familiar alliance between the Black radicals and the Maoist Chinese would have us believe. The book's multilingual approach draws from massive yet rarely used archival streams in China and in Chinatowns and elsewhere in the United States. These materials allow Gao to retell the well-known stories of Du Bois, Robeson, and Hughes alongside the sagas of Liu and Chen in a work that will transform and redefine Afro-Asia studies. Hettie V. Williams Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of African American history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University where she teaches courses in African American history and U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-american-studies
Arise Africa, Roar China: Black and Chinese Citizens of the World in the Twentieth Century (University of North Carolina Press, 2021) explores the close relationships between three of the most famous twentieth-century African Americans, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, and Langston Hughes, and their little-known Chinese allies during World War II and the Cold War--journalist, musician, and Christian activist Liu Liangmo, and Sino-Caribbean dancer-choreographer Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Charting a new path in the study of Sino-American relations, Gao Yunxiang foregrounds African Americans, combining the study of Black internationalism and the experiences of Chinese Americans with a transpacific narrative and an understanding of the global remaking of China's modern popular culture and politics. Gao reveals earlier and more widespread interactions between Chinese and African American leftists than accounts of the familiar alliance between the Black radicals and the Maoist Chinese would have us believe. The book's multilingual approach draws from massive yet rarely used archival streams in China and in Chinatowns and elsewhere in the United States. These materials allow Gao to retell the well-known stories of Du Bois, Robeson, and Hughes alongside the sagas of Liu and Chen in a work that will transform and redefine Afro-Asia studies. Hettie V. Williams Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of African American history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University where she teaches courses in African American history and U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/chinese-studies
On this week's Labor History Today: Justice Denied: David Gariff on “Ben Shahn and the Case of Sacco and Vanzetti.” Saul Schniderman remembers musician activist Elaine Purkey. From the Tales from the Reuther Library podcast, “When It Happened Here: Michigan and the Transnational Development of American Fascism.” And, on Labor History in 2: Paul Robeson, “The Voice of an Era.” Originally aired October 18, 2020; produced and edited by Chris Garlock and Evan Papp. To contribute a labor history item, email laborhistorytoday@gmail.com Labor History Today is produced by the Labor Heritage Foundation and the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University. We're a proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network; #LaborRadioPod
Paul Robeson’s stances on political and civil rights issues and his communist affiliations catalyzed protests that were fueled with an undercurrent of racism and antisemitism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.