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On stage in Show Boat

    Photo of a copy of the original sheet music and lyrics for the song “Ol’ Man River”, which Paul Robeson controversially sang in his role as Joe the Riverman, in the 1927 play Show Boat. The letters “Show Boat” appear in orange type above a group of men, women, and children bedecked in vintage hats and bonnets ascending a gangplank.

    This sheet music contains the music and lyrics for “Ol’ Man River,” a song from the 1927 Broadway musical, with Paul Robeson controversially singing the role of Joe the Riverman.

    1927
    Copyright
    Use allowed for educational & non-commercial purposes consistent with principles of fair use under Section 108, U.S. Copyright Act. West Philadelphia Collaborative History is educational & non-commercial.
    Attribution/Credit

    National Museum of American History