(1898–1976)
a US singer and actor famous for his rich, deep voice. He appeared in the London production of Show Boat (1928), in which he sang Ol’ Man River . His other stage successes included Emperor Jones (1925) in New York and Othello in both London (1930) and New York (1943). Because he expressed political views in support of Communism and criticized the US government’s treatment of African Americans, his passport was taken away for several years. He later lived in Europe (1958–63) before returning to New York.