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Paul Robeson sings

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Today in Books, Steve Ryfle reviews ‘In Search of the Black Fantastic’ by Richard Iton. He writes:

The breadth of material Iton examines is both impressive and exhaustive; it seems no African American pop icon who helped shape black political consciousness and influence over the last century is left out.

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The review begins with Paul Robeson, the singer, actor and All-American football player whose leftist activism ‘damaged his career and opened a debate about the role black entertainers should play in politics.’ To fully appreciate Robeson’s role as a political catalyst, I think, you have to hear his incredible artistry. This clip of him in concert includes a voiceover by Harry Belafonte, explaining the evolution of the lyrics to ‘Old Man River.’

Carolyn Kellogg

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