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Paul Robeson, Jr. was a prominent classical music artist, known for his powerful bass-baritone voice and his commitment to social justice. Born on November 2, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of Paul Robeson, Sr., a renowned singer, actor, and civil rights activist, and his wife, Eslanda Cardozo Goode Robeson, a scientist and activist in her own right. Growing up, Paul Jr. was exposed to music and activism from an early age. His father's fame and influence meant that he was often in the company of other prominent artists and activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Albert Einstein. He also traveled extensively with his parents, visiting Europe, Africa, and the Soviet Union, where he witnessed firsthand the struggles of oppressed peoples and the power of collective action. Despite his privileged upbringing, Paul Jr. faced his own challenges as a young black man in America. He attended Rutgers University, where his father had been a star athlete and valedictorian, but he struggled to find his place in the predominantly white student body. He was also deeply affected by the racism and discrimination he witnessed in the wider world, including the brutal murder of Emmett Till in 1955. Despite these challenges, Paul Jr. was determined to follow in his father's footsteps and pursue a career in music. He began studying voice at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he was mentored by the renowned bass-baritone William Warfield. He also studied with other prominent musicians, including Lotte Lehmann and Paul Ulanowsky. In 1951, Paul Jr. made his professional debut as a singer, performing in a concert at Town Hall in New York City. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the classical music world, earning critical acclaim for his rich, resonant voice and his passionate interpretations of works by composers such as Bach, Handel, and Schubert. Over the course of his career, Paul Jr. performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. He also appeared on television and radio programs, including the Ed Sullivan Show and the Voice of America. One of Paul Jr.'s most memorable performances was his rendition of "Ol' Man River," the signature song from his father's most famous role in the musical Show Boat. Paul Jr. performed the song at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival, where he received a standing ovation from the audience. The performance was later released as a live album, which became one of his most popular recordings. In addition to his music career, Paul Jr. was also a committed activist and advocate for social justice. He was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside his father and other leaders to fight for equal rights and opportunities for black Americans. He also spoke out against the Vietnam War and other forms of imperialism and oppression around the world. Despite his many accomplishments, Paul Jr. faced his share of setbacks and challenges. He struggled with depression and alcoholism, and he faced discrimination and censorship from the government and other authorities due to his political views. He was also deeply affected by the persecution of his father, who was blacklisted and harassed by the government during the McCarthy era. Despite these challenges, Paul Jr. remained committed to his music and his activism throughout his life.

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