*PLEASE NOTE
Information here is what is known at any given time, please check first in case of any changes etc.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE WARNER BROTHERS 1923 -2023
Al Jolson plays a very important role in those 100 years, and is included prominently in various articles, features etc, currently across social media and elsewhere. One such thing is a podcast via the facebook sites Warner Archives and Warner Brothers catalogue, 100 years of Warner Brothers history through releases from the Warner Archives the early years. On this audio broadcast you will hear prominently people from Warners discussing the early years of the company, its DVD and Blu-ray archive releases, and how Al Jolson with the release of The Jazz Singer, spurred this on to the success it has become.
AL JOLSON SINGS IRVING BERLIN - Released by Chip Deffaa
This Jolson CD, along with the others below produced by Chip Deffaa, contain a variation of Al Jolson vocals and others, solo or in duet with him of extreme rarity concentrating almost exclusively on live radio performances, movie tracks, and alternate recordings. All are a treasure-trove for the definitive collector of not only Al Jolson, but recording and entertainment history in general. Liner notes and packaging are also brilliant. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON KING OF BROADWAY - Released by Chip Deffaa
This album features 35 rare Jolson performances from Deffaa's personal collection, including many that have never before appeared on any albums. Jolson at his peak was not only Broadway's biggest star, songwriters sought him out because he was the biggest hit-maker in the country. And he kept adding new songs throughout the long Broadway runs of his shows. This album includes many standards originally introduced by Jolson on Broadway like You Made Me Love You, Swanee, April Showers and California Here I Come - but these are not the famed studio recordings that have often be reissued. These are rare live performances that have never been commercially released. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON'S BROADWAY - Released by Chip Deffaa
None of the recordings on this album are from his later 'comeback years'. These are vintage recordings of a younger Jolson. You'll hear Jolson's very first recording of 'Avalon' the way he introduced that standard in his Broadway hit 'Sinbad' more than a century ago. You'll hear the superb way Jolson introduced rare 'live' Jolson performances of 'Swanee', 'My Mammy' and 'California Here I Come' that are far more dynamic--capture more vividly--than his best-selling studio recordings. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
A NEW BOOK - LET'S DO IT: THE BIRTH OF POP
On the history of popular music with an entire chapter devoted to AL JOLSON still very popular no doubt according to Amazon popularity listings.
AL JOLSON MOVIE ON AMERICAN TV
TCM will be screening GO INTO YOUR DANCE (1935) on Wednesday January 25 2023.
Cast:
AL JOLSON, Ruby Keeler and Glenda Farrell.
An irresponsible Broadway star gets mixed up with gambling and gangsters.
ON THE TOWN WITH CHIP DEFFAA: AT THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY
(www.theaterscene.net.columns/chip-deffaa-on-the-museum-of-broadway)
*Please note below an extract from the article.
JOLSON alone in Broadway history enjoyed the freedom to add or drop any songs he wished, at any time, from his shows. He set countless box-office records in his day, sometimes doing three shows in one day to meet demand. He made "the road" almost as important as Broadway because he, unlike most before him, would take his entire company on tour after their Broadway run ended. And between Broadway and the road, he could headline a show like Sinbad or Bombo for several years, making them - as the trades noted - the longest-running musical productions of the period.
AL JOLSON CDS - 3 DISC BOX SETS
After the success of AL JOLSON THE DECCA YEARS, Sepia Records has brought out another, AL JOLSON THE KRAFT MUSIC HALL YEARS, songs from radio in the late 1940s. Check them out on Amazon.
AL JOLSON A SUPER STAR BURIED IN HISTORY
A new YouTube focusing much on the blackface image of Al Jolson today. This presentation by a young man is more than not a positive one in the legacy of Al Jolson and his ongoing popularity and influence. The very fact a young guy like this has bothered to research into and present this on somebody long before his own lifetime speaks for itself! As does the very fact new Jolson YouTube clips etc spring up virtually on a daily basis.
THE GREATS DUET
On YouTube there has been two electronically constructed duets of Al Jolson singing with two other popular all time great singers. The duets are with Elvis Presley singing Are You Lonesome Tonight and Frank Sinatra singing Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody. Previously a duet with Perry Como was also seen on YouTube.
SPEAKING OF DUETS
A great CD set of Al Jolson and Bing Crosby duets and solos is available from Sepia Records titled Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson The Complete Radio Duets. Also another CD from Original Cast Record titled Al Jolson Duets containing 30 duets with the likes of Doris Day, Peggy Lee, Jimmy Durante, Cab Calloway and many more. Local stores should be able to obtain them, if not Amazon.
BRIAN GARI (grandson of Eddie Cantor)
Society friend has sent the following link for his new album, please check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083F5Q3B5?pf_rd_p=ab873d20-a0ca-439b-ac45-cd78f07a84d8&pf_rd_r=6S4NKVW1H0CR63G0Z3AM
PLEASE HELP! - TO GET "THE JOLSON STORY" & "JOLSON SINGS AGAIN" ON BLU-RAY
With possible extras etc? Google Criterion Collection or go to "Wild About Jolson" or Remembering Al Jolson" facebook sites for full details how to sign petitions etc.
ON YOU TUBE LOOK UP "MOVIE CLUB - THE JOLSON STORY"
Interesting concept from a contemporary viewpoint with mistakes i.e. "Jolson was 50 when the movie was made" and as usual too much emphasis on blackface (good or bad) but all up considerate and put in reasonably good context and perspective.
ON YOUTUBE LOOK UP "ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DAILEY VLOGGING"
More or less an obituary of Shelley Winters, including a wonderful Al Jolson connection and great views of his memorial. Both are associated with the Actor's Temple. Plus the movie that changed Hollywood "The Jazz Singer" and other great posts on the likes of Clark Gable, Elvis Presley and many others!
DANNY MOST: "HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN - IN MUSIC"
Yes even a connection there because one of the regulars of that popular 1970s TV series Donny Most who played the character Ralph Malph was originally inspired to go into show business after seeing "The Jolson Story" at 9 years of age, and going on to appreciate other great popular singers like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin etc. Google the above for complete article.
ON YOUTUBE
"Famous Graves Hillside Tours" AL JOLSON etc. Great reflection to Al Jolson and many other greats such as Eddie Cantor, Jack Benny, Dinah Shore, Michael Landon, Leonard Nimoy etc, and links to other departed stars.
ON ITUNES
AL JOLSON, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson and Dion etc, the Jolson influence on ongoing generations! Great listening!
JOLSON LIVES ON!
More detail on the International Al Jolson Facebook sites.
AL JOLSON still means show business, and he is still worth all the bother with stage shows etc, i.e. "You Made Me Love You-The Story Of Al Jolson" (America's First Musical "Superstar"). On YouTube there is "Al Jolson A Musical Journey" in 3 parts, also there is one on Stephen Foster, Mozart, Elvis Presley and Irving Berlin, not bad company! All worth a look especially the Jolson one!
AL LIVES ON!
Two recent You Tubes "Al Jolson - Misunderstood Hero Or Villian" and "Brian Cox Breaks Into Song" with Al Jolson's "Sonny Boy", proves beyond any shadow of doubt that "Al Lives On"!
ALSO ON YOUTUBE
"One of three largest and most expensive grave memorials in California - Al Jolson", two young guys acknowledging Al - great!
MORE CONCERTS TO AL JOLSON IN LITHUANIA
His home of birth, thanks to two Al Jolson stalwarts from Germany (A.G. Images) his memory has been rejuvenated in Lithuania where he was born, with organized concerts etc, Facebook sites, "The Immortal Jolson", The World's Greatest Entertainer" etc, should link up to these happenings, or contact
A.G. Images www.aj-images.com. Periodically we intend to include more here or in the society newsletter. Also the new Jolson documentary, keep an eye on this website and newsletter. Join the society (details on the home page of this website) and you will be right in the picture!
AL JOLSON ON ITUNES
There is a great Podcast "Broadway To Main Street" a contemporary look at Jolie and his relevance still in modern culture. There is also heaps more of him (MP3 downloads etc).
AL JOLSON AND BOXING
In his lifetime one way or another Al Jolson was involved with sports, especially racing and boxing, managing a Mr Henry Armstrong (a world champion). His grandson Mr Edward Scott carries on the tradition and still honors his grandfather and Al Jolson. Google Henry Armstrong Foundation Inc. to see more and please donate if you can.
AL JOLSON MEMORIAL DEDICATION IN HIS PLACE OF BIRTH
On any one of the several Al Jolson sites online "Wild About Jolson", "The Immortal Jolson", "Remembering Al Jolson", "AJ Images" etc, found can be details, photos etc, of a memorial dedication to Al Jolson at his place of birth involving political dignitaries etc, over some 130 plus years since his original birth.
GREAT NEWS
Google THE LA YOU MAY NOT KNOW: AL JOLSON'S TOMB TAKES CENTRE STAGE
A brief but very positive modern day look at Al Jolson and his tomb presented by NBC.
Al Jolson lives on in MODERN CULTURE!
FOR MORE AL JOLSON ON THE WEB
Google Al Jolson, Champion In The Battle For Racial Justice: Scholars & Rogues Honours...
First Jolson Festival In Lithuania & Concert Dedicated To Al Jolson - A J Images
The Jewish Roots Of Popular Entertainment
The World's Greatest Al Jolson Archive
Remembering Al Jolson
The Immortal Al Jolson
Be immersed in a multitude of activity dedicated to THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER AL JOLSON - NOW TODAY! Not 70, 80, 90 or 100 or so years ago - in his heyday there is no word to describe it!
ALSO
Check out ON THE ROAD TO AL JOLSON at A J Images, a great documentary coming out on the greatest of em all!
ON YOUTUBE
Some good quality salutes of greats such as Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jnr, and many more! Google Greg Stilwell "The Singing Kid" a young man perpetuating the all time greats.
AL JOLSON'S ACTING
In an article in a film comment publication under the title of "Trivia Top 20 Best Acting Performers By A Musical Performer", Al Jolson in "The Jazz Singer" 1927 was placed 28 in a total of 50, easily the oldest entry up against much more modern stars of very recent times.
Information here is what is known at any given time, please check first in case of any changes etc.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE WARNER BROTHERS 1923 -2023
Al Jolson plays a very important role in those 100 years, and is included prominently in various articles, features etc, currently across social media and elsewhere. One such thing is a podcast via the facebook sites Warner Archives and Warner Brothers catalogue, 100 years of Warner Brothers history through releases from the Warner Archives the early years. On this audio broadcast you will hear prominently people from Warners discussing the early years of the company, its DVD and Blu-ray archive releases, and how Al Jolson with the release of The Jazz Singer, spurred this on to the success it has become.
AL JOLSON SINGS IRVING BERLIN - Released by Chip Deffaa
This Jolson CD, along with the others below produced by Chip Deffaa, contain a variation of Al Jolson vocals and others, solo or in duet with him of extreme rarity concentrating almost exclusively on live radio performances, movie tracks, and alternate recordings. All are a treasure-trove for the definitive collector of not only Al Jolson, but recording and entertainment history in general. Liner notes and packaging are also brilliant. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON KING OF BROADWAY - Released by Chip Deffaa
This album features 35 rare Jolson performances from Deffaa's personal collection, including many that have never before appeared on any albums. Jolson at his peak was not only Broadway's biggest star, songwriters sought him out because he was the biggest hit-maker in the country. And he kept adding new songs throughout the long Broadway runs of his shows. This album includes many standards originally introduced by Jolson on Broadway like You Made Me Love You, Swanee, April Showers and California Here I Come - but these are not the famed studio recordings that have often be reissued. These are rare live performances that have never been commercially released. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON'S BROADWAY - Released by Chip Deffaa
None of the recordings on this album are from his later 'comeback years'. These are vintage recordings of a younger Jolson. You'll hear Jolson's very first recording of 'Avalon' the way he introduced that standard in his Broadway hit 'Sinbad' more than a century ago. You'll hear the superb way Jolson introduced rare 'live' Jolson performances of 'Swanee', 'My Mammy' and 'California Here I Come' that are far more dynamic--capture more vividly--than his best-selling studio recordings. This album is available on Amazon or as a digital download.
A NEW BOOK - LET'S DO IT: THE BIRTH OF POP
On the history of popular music with an entire chapter devoted to AL JOLSON still very popular no doubt according to Amazon popularity listings.
AL JOLSON MOVIE ON AMERICAN TV
TCM will be screening GO INTO YOUR DANCE (1935) on Wednesday January 25 2023.
Cast:
AL JOLSON, Ruby Keeler and Glenda Farrell.
An irresponsible Broadway star gets mixed up with gambling and gangsters.
ON THE TOWN WITH CHIP DEFFAA: AT THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY
(www.theaterscene.net.columns/chip-deffaa-on-the-museum-of-broadway)
*Please note below an extract from the article.
JOLSON alone in Broadway history enjoyed the freedom to add or drop any songs he wished, at any time, from his shows. He set countless box-office records in his day, sometimes doing three shows in one day to meet demand. He made "the road" almost as important as Broadway because he, unlike most before him, would take his entire company on tour after their Broadway run ended. And between Broadway and the road, he could headline a show like Sinbad or Bombo for several years, making them - as the trades noted - the longest-running musical productions of the period.
AL JOLSON CDS - 3 DISC BOX SETS
After the success of AL JOLSON THE DECCA YEARS, Sepia Records has brought out another, AL JOLSON THE KRAFT MUSIC HALL YEARS, songs from radio in the late 1940s. Check them out on Amazon.
AL JOLSON A SUPER STAR BURIED IN HISTORY
A new YouTube focusing much on the blackface image of Al Jolson today. This presentation by a young man is more than not a positive one in the legacy of Al Jolson and his ongoing popularity and influence. The very fact a young guy like this has bothered to research into and present this on somebody long before his own lifetime speaks for itself! As does the very fact new Jolson YouTube clips etc spring up virtually on a daily basis.
THE GREATS DUET
On YouTube there has been two electronically constructed duets of Al Jolson singing with two other popular all time great singers. The duets are with Elvis Presley singing Are You Lonesome Tonight and Frank Sinatra singing Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody. Previously a duet with Perry Como was also seen on YouTube.
SPEAKING OF DUETS
A great CD set of Al Jolson and Bing Crosby duets and solos is available from Sepia Records titled Bing Crosby Meets Al Jolson The Complete Radio Duets. Also another CD from Original Cast Record titled Al Jolson Duets containing 30 duets with the likes of Doris Day, Peggy Lee, Jimmy Durante, Cab Calloway and many more. Local stores should be able to obtain them, if not Amazon.
BRIAN GARI (grandson of Eddie Cantor)
Society friend has sent the following link for his new album, please check it out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083F5Q3B5?pf_rd_p=ab873d20-a0ca-439b-ac45-cd78f07a84d8&pf_rd_r=6S4NKVW1H0CR63G0Z3AM
PLEASE HELP! - TO GET "THE JOLSON STORY" & "JOLSON SINGS AGAIN" ON BLU-RAY
With possible extras etc? Google Criterion Collection or go to "Wild About Jolson" or Remembering Al Jolson" facebook sites for full details how to sign petitions etc.
ON YOU TUBE LOOK UP "MOVIE CLUB - THE JOLSON STORY"
Interesting concept from a contemporary viewpoint with mistakes i.e. "Jolson was 50 when the movie was made" and as usual too much emphasis on blackface (good or bad) but all up considerate and put in reasonably good context and perspective.
ON YOUTUBE LOOK UP "ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DAILEY VLOGGING"
More or less an obituary of Shelley Winters, including a wonderful Al Jolson connection and great views of his memorial. Both are associated with the Actor's Temple. Plus the movie that changed Hollywood "The Jazz Singer" and other great posts on the likes of Clark Gable, Elvis Presley and many others!
DANNY MOST: "HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN - IN MUSIC"
Yes even a connection there because one of the regulars of that popular 1970s TV series Donny Most who played the character Ralph Malph was originally inspired to go into show business after seeing "The Jolson Story" at 9 years of age, and going on to appreciate other great popular singers like Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin etc. Google the above for complete article.
ON YOUTUBE
"Famous Graves Hillside Tours" AL JOLSON etc. Great reflection to Al Jolson and many other greats such as Eddie Cantor, Jack Benny, Dinah Shore, Michael Landon, Leonard Nimoy etc, and links to other departed stars.
ON ITUNES
AL JOLSON, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson and Dion etc, the Jolson influence on ongoing generations! Great listening!
JOLSON LIVES ON!
More detail on the International Al Jolson Facebook sites.
AL JOLSON still means show business, and he is still worth all the bother with stage shows etc, i.e. "You Made Me Love You-The Story Of Al Jolson" (America's First Musical "Superstar"). On YouTube there is "Al Jolson A Musical Journey" in 3 parts, also there is one on Stephen Foster, Mozart, Elvis Presley and Irving Berlin, not bad company! All worth a look especially the Jolson one!
AL LIVES ON!
Two recent You Tubes "Al Jolson - Misunderstood Hero Or Villian" and "Brian Cox Breaks Into Song" with Al Jolson's "Sonny Boy", proves beyond any shadow of doubt that "Al Lives On"!
ALSO ON YOUTUBE
"One of three largest and most expensive grave memorials in California - Al Jolson", two young guys acknowledging Al - great!
MORE CONCERTS TO AL JOLSON IN LITHUANIA
His home of birth, thanks to two Al Jolson stalwarts from Germany (A.G. Images) his memory has been rejuvenated in Lithuania where he was born, with organized concerts etc, Facebook sites, "The Immortal Jolson", The World's Greatest Entertainer" etc, should link up to these happenings, or contact
A.G. Images www.aj-images.com. Periodically we intend to include more here or in the society newsletter. Also the new Jolson documentary, keep an eye on this website and newsletter. Join the society (details on the home page of this website) and you will be right in the picture!
AL JOLSON ON ITUNES
There is a great Podcast "Broadway To Main Street" a contemporary look at Jolie and his relevance still in modern culture. There is also heaps more of him (MP3 downloads etc).
AL JOLSON AND BOXING
In his lifetime one way or another Al Jolson was involved with sports, especially racing and boxing, managing a Mr Henry Armstrong (a world champion). His grandson Mr Edward Scott carries on the tradition and still honors his grandfather and Al Jolson. Google Henry Armstrong Foundation Inc. to see more and please donate if you can.
AL JOLSON MEMORIAL DEDICATION IN HIS PLACE OF BIRTH
On any one of the several Al Jolson sites online "Wild About Jolson", "The Immortal Jolson", "Remembering Al Jolson", "AJ Images" etc, found can be details, photos etc, of a memorial dedication to Al Jolson at his place of birth involving political dignitaries etc, over some 130 plus years since his original birth.
GREAT NEWS
Google THE LA YOU MAY NOT KNOW: AL JOLSON'S TOMB TAKES CENTRE STAGE
A brief but very positive modern day look at Al Jolson and his tomb presented by NBC.
Al Jolson lives on in MODERN CULTURE!
FOR MORE AL JOLSON ON THE WEB
Google Al Jolson, Champion In The Battle For Racial Justice: Scholars & Rogues Honours...
First Jolson Festival In Lithuania & Concert Dedicated To Al Jolson - A J Images
The Jewish Roots Of Popular Entertainment
The World's Greatest Al Jolson Archive
Remembering Al Jolson
The Immortal Al Jolson
Be immersed in a multitude of activity dedicated to THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER AL JOLSON - NOW TODAY! Not 70, 80, 90 or 100 or so years ago - in his heyday there is no word to describe it!
ALSO
Check out ON THE ROAD TO AL JOLSON at A J Images, a great documentary coming out on the greatest of em all!
ON YOUTUBE
Some good quality salutes of greats such as Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis Jnr, and many more! Google Greg Stilwell "The Singing Kid" a young man perpetuating the all time greats.
AL JOLSON'S ACTING
In an article in a film comment publication under the title of "Trivia Top 20 Best Acting Performers By A Musical Performer", Al Jolson in "The Jazz Singer" 1927 was placed 28 in a total of 50, easily the oldest entry up against much more modern stars of very recent times.
