Paul Robeson - Ballad for Americans

Legendary American actor/concert performer Paul Robeson sings as deep as a well and as wide as an ocean on the reissue of Ballad for Americans. His unmistakable bass-baritone makes the rafters ring on this excellent, eloquent collection of spirituals, work songs, folk songs, and pop tunes. The epic 10-minute title track--composed by Earl Robinson and John LaTouche--is a compendium of American musical forms and a celebration of American spirit, delivered in a call-and-response style that finds Robeson playing a true everyman to the questioning crowd. His patriotism--as rich and complex as his voice--is in full flower here; ironic since he was driven to self-exile in Europe during the Red Scare. --Michael Ruby Amazon.com

A classic for the ages

This was my introduction to both Mr. Robeson and "Ballad for Americans" many years ago. One of the most joyful, fervent patriotic ballads of all times, sung by a great patriot. May 8, 2007

A Great Singer, but Not his Greatest Songs

As a tremendous fan of Paul Robeson - I regard him as the greatest singer of all time - I have to say that whilst this CD gives some idea of his wonderful voice, it is by no means the best. In fact, my giving it 4 stars is too generous based upon the songs on the disk. If it were possible, I'd make it three-and-a-half stars, and still feel a little generous, when comparing Ballad for Americans with, "Green Pastures," "Big Fella," "Paul Robeson" (the CD), and "The Voice of the Mississippi," all of which really do merit 5 stars. March 17, 2005

BALLAD FOR AMERICANS - Paul Robeson

I have no interest in Paul Robeson's politics. But I have never heard a singer I loved more; to hear him is like hearing a mountain sing, and sing beautifully. There may be imperfections due to the age of the original recordings; but once Robeson starts singing, I really don't notice anything other than his voice and the words he sings.

If I had a few billion dollars and a time machine, I'd bring Paul Robeson to the present just long enough to stick him in a modern recording studio and have him record several CD's...

Other admirers of Robeson should enjoy this rich and varied CD. February 23, 2005

Fantastic to hear "Ballad for Americans"

"Ballad for Americans" was performed during that unusual time in US history after the war had started in Europe, but before we got involved. The original radio broadcast live audience gave the performance a grand standing ovation. Whatever your political inclinations, or lack thereof, "Ballad for Americans" is one of the most moving patriotic songs. I listened to it many times right after 9/11/01 as a way to reinforce my love for this diverse, fantastic country of our...warts and all. This is a must for anyone's Paul Robeson collection. February 4, 2005

Great but not the best

Paul Robeson was one of the greatest singers of the century (apart from his other accomplishments), but this album does not show Robeson at his best. This was his first commercial recording after eight years on the blacklist. Robeson was sixty years old and had lost the range and clarity displayed in his earlier recordings. On the other hand his spirit shines through. Simply put, after Robeson's voice had weakened he was STILL one of the greatest singers of his time. October 29, 2002

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