2000: Nippy News Release Articles

Whitney Headlines Paul Robeson Tribute
submitted by: Dan L., David W., Jaymes W., Roderick, Antwoinne, Lisa D.
source: Newark Star-Ledger, Associated Press
Date: November 29, 2000

Athlete, actor, activist: To many, 'this was a hero'

BY JAY LUSTIG
STAFF WRITER

Pop star Whitney Houston hasn't made many public appearances lately, but she was there last night for the Paul Robeson tribute at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

"Why I stand here today is because of Paul Robeson," Houston said after speaking about being inspired by his voice and versatility. She then sang two numbers, a brief, acappella version of the "Porgy and Bess" ballad "I Loves You, Porgy," and the inspirational "You'll Never Stand Alone."

The "Voice for the Millennium" tribute at the Newark theater was a multimedia show, with one of the biggest crowd-pleasing moments coming from a vintage film segment of Robeson himself singing "Ol' Man River" in his memorable bass baritone.

Audience members donned 3-D glasses for a "fantasy film" segment in which an actor playing Robeson visits Harlem's Cotton Club and sings "Danny Boy" with backing by Duke Ellington on piano.

Robeson, born in Princeton in 1898, was a singer, actor, athlete and political activist.

Paying tribute to Robeson's theatrical career, Avery Brooks acted out several scenes from "Othello" on film, and James Earl Jones read from the Eugene O'Neill play "The Emperor Jones."

Show-stopping numbers included "Jesus Is A-Listening" by the Marble Collegiate Community Mass Choir and Angela Bofill's dramatic interpretation of "God Bless the Child." Sam Harris drew a standing ovation for his equally dramatic version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water," though no attempt was made to connect the song to Robeson's life.

Jazz musician Branford Marsalis, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, classical musician Denyce Graves and the Dance Theatre of Harlem all took to the stage to salute Robeson with their performances.

Houston's mother, Cissy Houston, closed the show by singing a song she wrote for the occasion, called "This Day." Backed by two gospel choirs, she sang such uplifting lines as: "Starting right here, starting right now,let's do our best to make a brighter world."

The concert was preceded by the first Paul Robeson Humanitarian Awards Dinner, a projected annual affair, in the ballroom of the Robert Treat Hotel.

Awards were presented to eight people from fields reflecting Robeson's many talents and pursuits and included former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and hip-hop guru Russell Simmons. Arista Records chief executive L.A. Reid was also honored, and returned the favor by giving the New York-based Paul Robeson Foundation $25,000.

Afterward, Paul Robeson Jr., 72, quoted words his father wrote in 1936 that he said apply to our times: "Beneath the accidents of race and culture which divide us lies the soul of man."

Former Gov. Tom Kean, president of Drew University in Madison, was another of the honorees. "In a time when we are crying out for heroes, this was a hero," Kean said. "At a time when he should have been at his lowest ebb, persecuted and prosecuted by our own government for simply speaking his mind, Robeson refused to be bitter. In a concert he broadcast over cables from a church in Harlem to a hall in London, because our government denied him a passport to travel, Robeson quoted the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, telling his listeners, 'I have come to pound on your heart with love.'"

Robeson, the son of a former slave, displayed a range of accomplishments during his life that seemed almost superhuman. Rutgers University's valedictorian speaker in 1919, he went on to be inducted into the National College Football Fall of Fame; earn a degree from Columbia University's law school; and receive a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. He starred on Broadway and in films, mastered a dozen languages (and was able to sing in about 10 more) and supported many political and social causes, including civil rights.

Last night's show, organized by the Robeson foundation, was taped for broadcast on PBS in March. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit inner-city students at Rutgers University in Newark and the Paul Robeson Foundation Educational Mission, which educates people about Robeson's life.

"We're going to realize a lot more than money, a lot of good exposure and increased awareness of Paul Robeson from this event," said William Pickens II, president of the foundation, who estimated that the evening would raise well over $100,000 for his organization.

The foundation recognizes that most Americans know little about Robeson.

Last night's event was the first major Robeson tribute to take place in his home state. Previous Robeson Foundation events were held in New York.

"He's a son of New Jersey, and now he's come back home," Robeson's son said at the beginning of the concert.

It was a high-priced show, with the cheapest tickets costing $75. The highest-priced ones ($1,000) admitted holders to the preshow awards dinner at the nearby Robert Treat Hotel.

The show's biggest attraction was the first appearance at NJPAC by Whitney Houston since she canceled a July 1999 concert there at the last minute. The East Orange native and Mendham resident said at the time that she had throat problems. The show was never rescheduled.

Houston had a personal reason to support the tribute concert. Her father, John Houston, was Robeson's godson.

Staff writer George Kanzler contributed to this report.

Whitney Houston headlines all-star tribute to Paul Robeson

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Whitney Houston joined husband Bobby Brown, James Earl Jones, Lynn Whitfield and other celebrities in a gala tribute to the late Paul Robeson.

"Paul Robeson: Voice for the Millennium,'' was held Tuesday night at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The New Jersey native was a scholar and star football player who became a world-renowned actor and singer, then a civil rights activist.

Robeson, born the son of a former slave in 1898, was among the premier black entertainers of his time. However, his support of socialism in the late 1940s made him a target of a government crackdown, and his passport was revoked. His popularity declined and he spent his remaining years out of the public spotlight. He died in 1976.

Among the celebrities who lauded his achievements and social activism Tuesday were Ossie Davis, Melba Moore and opera star Denyce Graves.

"Now I understand that why I stand here today is because of Paul Robeson,'' said Houston.

The concert was one of her few public appearances since a marijuana possession charge against her in Hawaii was resolved earlier this month. She sang two songs - one a cappella - from the play "Porgy and Bess,'' in which Robeson had starred.

Rumors of drug use have swirled around Houston for months amid erratic behavior and last-minute cancellations. Brown, however, who has battled substance abuse himself, said his wife's performance at the tribute should dispel such talk.

"I don't even want to discuss that, because it's garbage. If you saw her tonight, then you know ain't nothing wrong with her,'' said Brown.

Brown also performed, in a leather skirt, singing his crowd-pleasing hit "Every Little Step,'' backed up by Houston. He was the only artist who did not perform a song connected to Robeson or his era. [Note: Earlier news reports stated that Bobby was going to rap some of Robeson's words set to the theme of "Every Little Step." It's possible the reporter may have not noticed lyric changes. We shall see when the show airs in March 2001.]

Davis and Jones read passages from Robeson's speeches. The Dance Theatre of Harlem also performed.