Original “Ol’ Man River”

ID: 2981
This file appears in: Jules Bledsoe

When Show Boat, a popular American musical, premiered on Broadway in 1927, Jules Bledsoe starred as Joe, a Black dock worker aboard the boat Cotton Blossom. In 1929, he starred once more in the musical’s film adaptation. The role was a turning point in Bledsoe’s career as he began performing across the nation and world.

This file appears in: Jules Bledsoe

By Amanda Sawyer
Julius “Jules” Bledsoe’s extraordinary musical talent transcended racial discrimination of the nineteenth century and established him as a pioneer in American music. Bledsoe was born on December 29,…