In high school, Paul sang solos in the glee club and played the leading role in Shakespeare's Othello. But acting made him nervous, and he didn't think of being a singer or actor when he grew up.

Years later, the great Paul Robeson was famous the world over for his singing and acting, and Othello was one of his best roles!

Paul learned many things from his quiet, strong father, a pastor in Princeton, New Jersey, where Paul and his brothers and sister grew up. He learned to love words, spoken and written. To be proud of being black. And, most of all, to fight for the things he really believed in.

While Paul was studying to be a lawyer, people began asking him to act and sing. Soon he was traveling everywhere doing concerts and plays. He was disturbed by the problems he saw, and he talked about them. He talked about black freedom, and good jobs for all people. And he worked for these things.

Paul Robeson was punished for talking and fighting for freedom. But he never stopped.

The author of Rosa Parks and the artist of Ray Charles have combined their talents and their admiration of this great artist in a book that reflects the dynamic spirit of his life and accomplishments.

From the dust jacket