Illustration by: Gail Nobles © 2021
Song Title: Ol’ Man River
Song by: Paul Robeson

You’re listening to Podcast Grooves. I’m Gail Nobles. Today’s topic: Lawrence Beamen Sings Ol Man River by Paul Robeson

It was no surprise to me seeing Lawrence Beamen singing “Ol’ Man River” in a video on social media. Paul Robeson sung the song in the 1936 film version of “Show Boat”.

But Ol Man River, He just keeps rolling along.

Ol Man River is about both hope and despair. The song is talking about the Mississippi River, and Lawrence Beamen is singing the song today. He’s the echo of Paul Robeson.

Lawrence Beamen Top 5 finalist from NBC TV America’s Got Talent Reenacts Paul Robeson’s 1956 HUAC FROM RENAISSANCE to the STRUGGLE of Paul Robeson. HUAC means House Un-American Activities Committee.

On America’s Got Talent, Lawrence sang Ol’ Man River, and the audience loved his performance. Lawrence is a great actor and singer. I would love to see him in a biopic movie about Paul Robeson. I believe it would be a knock out film. When Lawrence acted out Robeson’s 1956 HUAC, he said these words:

“I’m not being tried whether I’m a communist. I’m being tried for the rights of my people who are still second class citizens. In this uh … United States of America. “

Lawrence Beamen acted as if he was Paul Robeson himself, and that’s what the people would want to see in a movie. Lawrence has the voice, the sound, and the looks of Paul Robeson. He has the charisma, and he is strong. If filmmakers don’t see Lawrence, they are blind.

You can see Lawrence Beamen on his official YouTube channel, and his official website, lawrencebeamen.com. Don’t forget to check him out acting as Paul Robeson and singing the song Ol’ Man River.

But Ol’ Man River, He just keeps rolling along.