The only known recording of Paul Robeson (1898-1976) singing "Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees" can be heard in the collection On My Journey, the first Smithsonian Folkways release in the African American Legacy series, co-presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The legendary Robeson—athlete, lawyer, actor, singer, civil rights activist—made the recording at a friend's New York City apartment in 1955, when Robeson was being persecuted by the State Department, which revoked his passport for eight years beginning in 1950 because of his forceful criticism of racist U.S. policies. "Let Us Break Bread," an old spiritual, was an anthem of the Underground Railroad.
Listen to Paul Robeson sing "Let Us Break Bread"
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Related topics: Music Sound Recordings African Americans
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Comments (7)
Thank you for making this extra-ordinary piece available for all to hear. Paul Robeson was a truly talented and gifted individual. "Let Us Break Bread" brings back many memories of singing in choral groups. I've never heard quite like Paul sang it!
Posted by Louise Williams on August 6,2010 | 02:59 PM
Thank you for making this recording of Mr. Robeson's inspiring voice available. I grew up in NJ, near Somerville where Mr. Robeson once lived. His voice and political sentiments were admired by many without regard to race.
Posted by Anna Vaughan on September 25,2008 | 09:12 AM
sing Let Us Break Bread: Whew! The gentle, far reaching depth of Paul Robeson's voice, and the feeling emitted from his soul. I felt privileged to have heard this one and only recording of Paul Robeson singing "Let Us Break Bread. Imagine what it must have been like for the pianist and everyone in that room.
Posted by Janice Valdez on July 18,2008 | 11:15 PM
This is a stunning example of the soul music of a bygone era. Beautiful! Moving! Spiritual!
Posted by Anonymous on March 24,2008 | 02:02 PM
This is a stunning example of the soul music of a bygone era. Beautiful! Moving! Spiritual!
Posted by Stephen Kelley on December 13,2007 | 03:13 AM
This is a stunning example of the soul music of a bygone era. Beautiful! Moving! Spiritual!
Posted by Stephen Kelley on December 13,2007 | 03:13 AM
Thank you for this great man's hymn.
Posted by June Paton on November 19,2007 | 08:22 PM