US singer and civil rights leader, Paul Robeson (1898 - 1976) Photo: Wiki Commons
Paul Robeson was a the son of a slave who rose to great heights as an actor and singer in the 30's and 40's. His velvety bass voice earned him roles in films and the musical Show Boat. Off stage he used the power of his celebrity to fight against social injustice. He was deeply committed to socialism.
Melbourne writer and academic travelled the world to research the life of Paul Robeson and discover the roots of his political and spiritual formation. He talks to Jesse about his book No Way But This: In Search of Paul Robeson.
Paul Robeson visited both New Zealand and Australia to speak to workers. The video below is him speaking to construction workers building the Sydney Opera House in 1960
