- Jun 24, 2003
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2 first rate movie performances by truly great Black singers. Both are songs from the musical "Show Boat," by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. The show was written in the 1920s. It was a product of its time. Some aspects are cringeworthy by today's standards.
Aside from being stunningly beautiful, Lena Horne was a terrific singer. The original lyrics are "can't help lovin' 'dat man o' mine." But Lena insisted on singing "can't help lovin' that man of mine."
Paul Robeson had a tremendous bass voice. He sings the most famous song from the show in this clip from the 1936 movie version. The lyrics contain some unacceptable expressions. And there are scenes with unpleasant stereotypes. But the focus should be on his singing. Which is a standout.
Aside from being stunningly beautiful, Lena Horne was a terrific singer. The original lyrics are "can't help lovin' 'dat man o' mine." But Lena insisted on singing "can't help lovin' that man of mine."
Paul Robeson had a tremendous bass voice. He sings the most famous song from the show in this clip from the 1936 movie version. The lyrics contain some unacceptable expressions. And there are scenes with unpleasant stereotypes. But the focus should be on his singing. Which is a standout.