Earl Robinson

As published in the Foundation’s Report for 1939–40:

ROBINSON, EARL HAWLEY:  Appointed for creative work in musical composition, in particular a musical dramatization of The People, Yes by Carl Sandburg; tenure, twelve months from April 1, 1940.

Born July 2, 1910, at Seattle, Washington.  Education:  University of Washington, B.M., 1933.

Conductor, American People’s Chorus, 1937—.

Principal compositions:  Flying Squadron (song for Chorus), performed by Theatre of Action many times, by the New Singers, 1935, 1936; Death House Blues, for solo and chorus, performed by Charles Haywood on tour, 1937, by Theatre of Action, by American People’s Chorus, 1938; Abe Lincoln, song, performed at all concerts of TAC, 1938, 1939, in review “Hellzapoppin,” recording played for broadcasting in the U. S. and England; Joe Hill (solo song) performed in Cabaret TAC, 1938, 1939, by Mordecai Bauman at Town Hall, 1939, at Brooklyn Museum, 1938; John Brown, song, performed by American People’s Chorus many times; Fascist Aviator, performed by Paul Robeson and Chorus for broadcasting, 1939, by Jules Bledsoe and American People’s Chorus at Brooklyn Museum and for broadcasting, 1940, by Lawrence Tibbett and Ford Chorus for broadcasting, 1940; incidental music for following Federal Theatre Plays:  “The Great Catherine,” “Snickering Horses,” “Candide,” “Processional,” “Life and Death of an American,” “Sing for your Supper”; and incidental music for film “People of the Cumberland,” 1938.