Paul Robeson

This lavish 14-CD box collects all of the late singer-activist's major label recordings, spanning 1925-1947.  Voice of Freedom includes the first release of Robeson's groundbreaking Victor recordings on CD (16 recordings reissued for the first time, 5 previously unreleased); the first restoration of Robeson's acclaimed 1944 Othello stage production with Uta Hagen and José Ferrer from the original 33 master disc sides; his complete remastered Columbia albums (Songs of Free Men, Popular Favorites, Spirituals); and the first release of his historic 1958 concerts at Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, New York, and Royal Albert Hall, including a whopping 30 previously unissued recordings.  Numerous recordings of his signature song, "Ol' Man River" from Show Boat, are featured.  (Though the role of Joe was reportedly written for Robeson, he declined to appear in the show's Broadway premiere.  He instead later played the London premiere as well as appearing in the 1932 Broadway revival and the 1936 film version.)  All of these recordings have been restored from the original master discs and tapes, and 25 studio recordings--as well as his complete historic New York and London appearances from 1958--are here presented for the first time on CD. The thick 160-page book, with essays by Shana L. Redmond and Susan Robeson, pays tribute to this legendary performer and civil rights crusader.