The World-Famous Sydney Opera House
Black History is World History
Despite slavery, racism and oppression, people of color have made momentous contributions to the world throughout history. Today I pay tribute to the legendary Paul Robeson, the first singer to perform at the Sydney Opera House in 1960 during its initial phase of construction.
American singer Paul Robeson delivers a stirring rendition of 'Ol' Man River' for construction workers at the Sydney Opera House. He was the first professional singer to perform there – singing on the concrete foundations of what would become the Concert Hall.
'Ol' Man River' is originally from the 1927 musical Showboat with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Robeson, with his powerful voice and his belief in civil rights, turns the tragic song about the struggles of African American people into a protest song full of strength and defiance.
Despite how many times he must have sung it, his performance feels raw and full of emotion. The construction workers watch on in awestruck silence. The sound recording is first-rate with his words clear and easy to understand.
This performance was organized by the Building Workers' Industrial Union during his tour of Australia in 1960.
And here, my most favorite performance by Paul Robeson
I must confess that I am always moved to tears when I hear his stunning bass-baritone voice so hauntingly and eloquently pluck at one's heart-strings in this recording captured so long ago.
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