- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJulius Lorenzo C. Bledsoe
- Jules Bledsoe was born on December 29, 1898 in Waco, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for Show Boat (1929), Drums of the Congo (1942) and Old Man Trouble (1929). He died on July 14, 1943 in Hollywood, California, USA.
- Although he was a famed singer in his time, few of his recordings are in print today, except for his version of "Ol' Man River", which has recently appeared on the CD collection, "The Ultimate 'Show Boat'", and some vintage recordings of black spirituals, which have recently been released on CD. In contrast to such famous African-American singers as Paul Robeson and William Warfield, both of whom also sang and acted the role of Joe in "Show Boat", Bledsoe is practically unknown to modern audiences.
- When the Broadway premiere of "Show Boat" was delayed in 1927 by Ziegfeld, Paul Robeson became unavailable, so Jules Bledsoe stepped in. He played and sang the role of Joe, introducing "Ol' Man River".
- Noted African-American concert and opera bass-baritone who sang with such orchestras as the Concertgebeouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. He also sang the role of Amonasro in Verdi's "Aida" in several productions of the work.
- He had a fatal cerebral hemorrhage while at his manager's house in Hollywood.
- Made several "soundies", which were once thought lost, but have since been recovered.
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