Washington, D.C. Russian war anniversary benefit at the Watergate. Madame Litvinoff, wife of the Russian Ambassador, backstage with Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson was an African-American singer, actor and civil rights activist. He was born on 9 April 1898 in Princeton, New Jersey, and died on 23 January 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Robeson achieved international fame for his powerful bass-baritone voice and his performances in theatre, film and concert halls. He was known for his renditions of African-American spirituals, as well as his interpretations of folk songs from around the world. Some of his most popular songs include "Ol' Man River", "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" and "Go Down, Moses". In addition to his musical career, Robeson was a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice. He used his platform to speak out against racial discrimination and inequality, both in the United States and abroad. Robeson was actively involved in various civil rights organisations and participated in protests and demonstrations. However, Robeson faced significant backlash during the McCarthy era for his outspoken political views and association with left-wing causes. He was blacklisted by the entertainment industry and his passport was revoked by the US government, restricting his ability to travel and perform internationally. Despite these challenges, Robeson continued to fight for his beliefs and remained committed to his activism. He eventually regained his passport in 1958 and resumed his international performances. Robeson's legacy as an artist and activist continues to inspire generations of musicians and activists today.