Al Jolson

Al Jolson
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Name	Al Jolson
Birth date	May 26, 1886
Birth place	Seredžius, Russian Empire
Death date	October 23, 1950
Death place	San Francisco, California, United States
Occupation	Singer, actor, comedian

Al Jolson was a renowned singer, actor, and comedian who rose to fame in the early 20th century, known for his charismatic stage presence and distinctive voice, which captivated audiences in Vaudeville, Broadway shows, and Hollywood films, including collaborations with D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille. Jolson's life and career were marked by his early experiences as an immigrant in New York City, where he was influenced by Eddie Cantor and George M. Cohan. He went on to perform in various Ziegfeld Follies productions, alongside Fanny Brice and W.C. Fields. Jolson's unique blend of Jazz and Vaudeville styles, as seen in his performances at the Winter Garden Theatre, helped shape the entertainment industry, with notable appearances in The Jazz Singer and The Singing Fool.

Early Life and Career

Al Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in Seredžius, Russian Empire, to Moses Yoelson and Naomi Yoelson, and immigrated to Washington, D.C. with his family at a young age, later moving to New York City, where he began performing in Vaudeville shows, including those produced by Tony Pastor and B.F. Keith. Jolson's early career was influenced by Minstrel shows and Music halls, such as the Cotton Club and Palace Theatre, where he performed alongside Bert Williams and George Walker. He also drew inspiration from Opera singers like Enrico Caruso and Enrique Granados, as well as Jazz musicians Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Jolson's experiences in World War I, where he entertained troops with Bob Hope and Eddie Cantor, further shaped his career, leading to performances at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall.

Music and Film Career

Jolson's music career spanned multiple genres, including Jazz, Blues, and Musical theater, with notable songs like "Swanee", "My Mammy", and "April Showers", which were featured in films like The Jazz Singer and The Singing Fool, directed by Alan Crosland and Lloyd Bacon. He worked with prominent composers, such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin, and performed in Broadway shows like Sinbad and Bombo, alongside Fanny Brice and Eddie Cantor. Jolson's film career included collaborations with Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures, resulting in movies like The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again, which starred Larry Parks and Evelyn Keyes. His performances were often accompanied by Orchestras conducted by Paul Whiteman and Nathaniel Shilkret.

Personal Life

Jolson married Henrietta Keller in 1907, but the couple divorced in 1919, and he later married Ruby Keeler in 1928, with whom he had a close relationship until his death, and was also friends with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Jolson was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of Jewish organizations, such as the Hebrew Orphan Asylum and Hadassah, and was a strong advocate for Zionism, often performing at benefits for the Jewish National Fund and United Jewish Appeal. He was also a supporter of the USO and entertained troops during World War II, alongside Marlene Dietrich and The Andrews Sisters.

Legacy and Impact

Jolson's legacy extends far beyond his own performances, as he helped pave the way for future entertainers, such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and influenced the development of American music and film, with his innovative use of Sound in film and Vocal styles. He was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, alongside Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Jolson's life and career have been the subject of numerous Biographical films and Stage productions, including Jolson, a Broadway musical, and The Jolson Story, a film starring Larry Parks and Evelyn Keyes.

Discography and Filmography

Jolson's extensive discography includes recordings for Victor Records and Brunswick Records, featuring songs like Swanee and My Mammy, which were also featured in his films, such as The Jazz Singer and The Singing Fool. His filmography includes The Jazz Singer, The Singing Fool, Mammy, and Hallelujah, I'm a Bum, directed by Alan Crosland and Lloyd Bacon, and starring May McAvoy and Betty Bronson. Jolson's performances were often accompanied by Orchestras conducted by Paul Whiteman and Nathaniel Shilkret, and he worked with prominent composers, such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. His legacy continues to be celebrated through various Tribute albums and Documentary films, including those produced by PBS and BBC. Category:American singers