Paul Robeson: Special bond with Wales

The eulogy to Robeson eloquently celebrates the life of the American singer and political outcast with the lyrics - 'Sing it loud/ Sing it proud/ I will be heard/ I will be found' over a recording of Robeson's wounded and soulful baritone.

The Manics who have gained both critical and popular acclaim for their music with hits such as A design for life and If you tolerate this your children will be next, have long been admirers of the singer, actor and writer.

Robeson's life and career was also recently celebrated in an exhibition at the National Museum and Gallery in Cardiff exploring his links with Welsh communities, struggling for an independent voice and identity.

Struggle and oppression

The artist and activist, who died aged 77, in 1976, was regarded as a man of immense talent and accomplishment fighting tirelessly against racism worldwide.

He had developed a special bond with Wales and its people, recognising a culture built around the values of community, work and church and a musical tradition born out of struggle and oppression.

He also saw parallels between the exploitation of black people in the United States and that of the Welsh coal miner paying tribute to them in the 1940 film The Proud Valley.

The pioneering campaigner first visited the UK in 1949, and returned the following year, when MI5 agents tracked his movements. But for much of the 1950s, the United States authorities refused the singer a passport.

"Robeson, when last over here, was a security nuisance," noted an MI5 report from 1951.

"He is convinced that he has a mission to lead oppressed Negroes and colonial peoples everywhere. He is a fanatical communist and intensely ambitious."

MI5 believed that the British Communist Party would "do all in its power to exploit the visit for propaganda purposes".

Despite MI5's disquiet, Robeson visited the UK for a series of concerts when the US authorities restored his passport in 1958.

The new single released by Epic records will feature remixes by former Stone Roses singer Ian Brown and house music legend Felix Da Housecat.

A special cover version of one of Robeson's most memorable songs "Didn't my lord deliver Daniel" will also be included.