*
banner

When Read met Robeson

A recent adjudication visit to Wales revived fantastic memories for David Read — of a close encounter with the great Paul Robeson...

Read
 

Adjudicator David Read found himself turning a full 50 year old musical circle recently when he adjudicated at the Welsh Miners Eisteddfod Championships in Porthcawl- all thanks to the great American singer and political activist Paul Robeson.

Famous broadcast

The 2008 Miners Eisteddfod took place at the Porthcawl Grand Pavilion Theatre where in October 1957, a packed hall of miners, politicians and the general public squeezed in to hear Robeson’s voice transmitted from America in an historic broadcast.

At the time Robeson had his passport confiscated as part of the McCarthy led witch-hunt against those thought to harbour pro soviet sympathies — ‘fellow travellers’ as they were called.

I was only a few feet away from the great singer and could see the emotion and passion particularly when singing Negro spirituals. He really lived the partDavid Read on Paul Robeson

Support

The great man, still at the height of his powers and popularity made the transatlantic radio link to thank, and to sing to the people of Wales and the mining communities in particular for their support for his cause.

Yorkshire Miners Festival

Meanwhile in Yorkshire a young David Read was playing happily with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, and less than a year later was part of a massed bands and Mineworker’s choir concert held at City Hall in Sheffield, when Robeson, now free to travel the world once more, visited to thank the people of Great Britain for their support and to sing at the Yorkshire Miners Festival in the city.

After a tremendously emotional entrance to the sound of the bands and singers in unison with ‘Old Man River’, which moved him to tears, Robeson sang to the packed auditorium.

David was sitting on the front row and was asked to be the page turner for his accompanist – just a few feet from Robeson himself.

Passion

As David says in his book ‘Beyond the Box’: "I was only a few feet away from the great singer and could see the emotion and passion particularly when singing Negro spirituals. He really lived the part. After the concert and behind the stage, scores of people wanted his autograph and an over fussy minor official tried to order them away, but Robeson was having none of it. His deep voice boomed “I will sign every autograph if it takes all night”. That was sort of person he was."

Thrill

50 years later David was in the very Pavilion Theatre where that first historic broadcast took place and the memories came flooding back. "My father, like all the South Wales miners in the thirties had a great affection for Paul Robeson and all that he stood for and had all his old 78’ records. I will never forget the thrill and the nerves of being asked to sit at the side of his pianist and to turn the pages over while he sang."

David added: "It was such an experience being so close to such a great man and singer. I thought it was a wonderful coincidence that exactly 50 years later I should be at the very venue where it all started."

Recording

Although the Pavilion Theatre no longer has the room dedicated to Robeson full or artefacts, a bronze head stands in the entrance to the ahll, whilst this year a recording of the historic broadcast has been released and was one sale at the contest.

"It’s strange how things come around full circle," David said. "After 50 years it was as if it had happened yesterday – and it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Cory

Last chord for Cory legends

June 30 • The final notes of a decade of unprecedented success have been delivered by Glyn and Helen Williams at Cory Band.


Hepworth

Report & Result: Red Admiral March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • The wizards of Hepworth pick up yet another march and hymn tune victory as they take the inaugural Red Admiral honours.


Crofton

Result: Wetherby Drovers March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 30 • Crofton Silver drive home with the top prize at Wetherby.


Mnozil

Mnozil Brass booked for Symphony Hall in 2027

June 30 • After their memorable performance in Birmingham on the weekend, over 650 tickets have already been snapped up for their 2027 return.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band are looking for a positive and dynamic leader who can further develop our players skills & aid us in our aspirations of reaching the 1st section.


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd