signed first edition
(1953) · New York
by [SOUND RECORDINGS] ROBESON, Paul
New York: Othello Records, (1953). First Edition. First pressing of the 33-rpm issue. 10" pressed vinyl record, housed in pictorial board-and-cloth album, as issued. One of an unspecified number in the "Subscribers' Edition," signed by Robeson in blue ink on rear cover, this copy numbered no.3920. Album bright and sound, with rubbing to board edges and small abrasion at lower left corner. The vinyl disc is bright and clean with good gloss, a few shallow surface scratches; Very Good or better.
Having been relieved of his passport by the State Department, and blacklisted by the US recording industry following his apearance before HUAC in 1950, Robeson could not record or distribute his music through mainstream channels; nor could he travel overseas, where his enormous popularity (especially in the Soviet Union) would have guaranteed him a lucrative concert career. Robeson AND launched Othello Records in 1952, strictly as a vehicle for his own recordings. Robeson Sings was the label's first commercially-issued project; sold by subscription through advertisements in Masses & Mainstream, The Daily Worker, The Crisis, and other left-leaning periodicals, the album appears to have been a moderate success, selling several thousand copies. Includes the songs "Wandering," "Curly-Headed Baby," "Witness," "Night," "Four Rivers," and "Hassidic Chant. (Inventory #: 84014)
Having been relieved of his passport by the State Department, and blacklisted by the US recording industry following his apearance before HUAC in 1950, Robeson could not record or distribute his music through mainstream channels; nor could he travel overseas, where his enormous popularity (especially in the Soviet Union) would have guaranteed him a lucrative concert career. Robeson AND launched Othello Records in 1952, strictly as a vehicle for his own recordings. Robeson Sings was the label's first commercially-issued project; sold by subscription through advertisements in Masses & Mainstream, The Daily Worker, The Crisis, and other left-leaning periodicals, the album appears to have been a moderate success, selling several thousand copies. Includes the songs "Wandering," "Curly-Headed Baby," "Witness," "Night," "Four Rivers," and "Hassidic Chant. (Inventory #: 84014)
(540) 665-0855
