ISSI DYE IS AN HONORARY MEMBER OF THIS SOCIETY
Due to his perpetuation of AL JOLSON and entertainment in general with his shows etc. We encourage members and others to attend them whenever possible. Google his Website and/or his Facebook where there is much more! We hope he can attend the society's open house day on March 24 2019 at North Fitzroy, details upcoming.
DARYL DRAGON & BOB EINSTEIN DIES AT AGE 76 (Jan 2 2019) BOTH WITH AN AL JOLSON CONNECTION
Daryl Dragon was part of the duet 'Captain & Tennille' (Love Will Keep Us Together etc). His father Carmen Dragon was the conductor for AL JOLSON'S first Decca release SWANEE and APRIL SHOWERS 1945.
Bob Einstein a TV comedy star of recent years. His father Harry Einstein (Parkyakarkus) worked on radio and in movies with AL JOLSON & Eddie Cantor. For more links to Al Jolson go into 'History' on the International Al Jolson Society website.
VALE COLIN GUEST AGED 81 (December 8 2018)
The Jolson Society Of Australia deeply regrets the passing of the brother of honorary member Loris Young, Mr Colin Guest (Australian Cricketer & baseballer). Sincerest condolences to you and your family Loris.
3AW 'REMEMBER WHEN' TIME TUNNEL SEGMENT HAS MOVED!
With honorary Kevin Trask to Thursday evenings at 10pm previously on Sunday evenings.
SAD TO ANNOUNCE THE PASSING OF AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, BROADCASTER ETC MICHAEL FREEDLAND OCTOBER 1 2018
Who for years tirelessly dedicated himself to greats like AL JOLSON, Eddie Cantor, Frank Sinatra and so many more. Due to him, books and more continue to be available online and elsewhere. May his legacy live forever!
THE PASSING OF CHARLES AZNAVOUR AT AGE 94 OCTOBER 1 2018
Indeed an incredible long career. Although all the obituaries, articles etc, refer especially to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Edith Piaf, there was also the references to AL JOLSON re 'singing with soul' etc. Whatever or whoever it is, Al is always there!
THE MOVIE LA LA LAND OF 2017
Was a modern day movie musical blockbuster, quite a rarity for these times of generally 'crash, bang, wham, wollop'! Now could there possibly be a AL JOLSON influence there? Well there most definitely is google (LA LA Land Director Damien Chazelle Chooses 5 Essential Musicals).
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.
FRIARS CLUB SALUTE TO DEANNA MARTINO - DAUGHTER OF DEAN MARTIN
Was recently held and participating in the salutes was Mr Tony Babino (the current number one Al Jolson impersonator). He of course managed to get in a plug or two for Jolson and sang one of his songs to which she joins him in a few dance steps. Vision of it is possibly accessible via their websites or facebook? Further research shows how many Jolson songs were sung by her father Dean, one of many Al influenced!
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.
AL JOLSON & HIS BROTHER HARRY PORTRAYED ON TELEVISION AND YOUTUBE
In Murdoch Mysteries screened on channel 72 Thursdays 8.30 pm (also on CBC) episode 15 season 11 "Murdoch Schmurdoch" (upcoming or perhaps already shown?) has actors portraying Al and Harry Jolson in early vaudeville in the plot.
AL JOLSON STILL A HEADLINER!
NOSTALGIA DIGEST MAGAZINE - Subscriptions & Back Issues PO Box 25734 Chicago, II. 60625 (773)769-6575 info@nostalgiadigest.com
The autumn 2017 current issue features an article on AL JOLSON including a great Kraft radio show CD cover. Also articles on Larry Parks, Alfred Hitchcock and more! Suggest to order quickly as anything like this on Jolson doesn't last forever!
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!
ON THE INTERNATIONAL JOLSON WEBSITE FORUM
Jolson concerts in Croatia and radio interview. Great efforts to promote Al (although not his singing) by a very dedicated fan!
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!
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO AL JOLSON
Jan Hernstat the president of the International Al Jolson Society, passes along the information that Al Jolson has been awarded an "Award Of Excellence" from the "Film Advisory Board". These are the people who created the film rating system. JOLSON'S FAME IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE"!
GOLDEN DAYS RADIO 95.7 FM PROMO
The society thanks to the support and interest from the people at Golden Days radio now has an on air promo played periodically. Calls in support of this, requests for songs etc, is highly encouraged!
AL JOLSON ON ITUNES
There's currently 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 honours 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 very recent memorial dedication to Al Jolson at his place of birth involving political dignitaries etc, over some 130 plus years since his original birth.
THE AL JOLSON HAPPENINGS CONTINUE
"You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet", "The Al Jolson Project", "The Other Al Jolson - Larry Parks" and "The Jazz Singer" opening in Toronto Canada, are stage shows, tribute CDs etc, based around the life, music and history of the greatest entertainer ever Al Jolson. Being in 2016/17 that says it all! Google You Tube for more info.
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.
ALSO AL JOLSON PODCASTS - "WILD ABOUT JOLSON" SITE
Run by three young people (all born decades after Al's passing) encourage viewing, feedback, and contact with others. Google the above for access and communication with many others with similar interests.
AL JOLSON'S ACTING
In a recent 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.
FOR GREAT COMEDY
If interested in the great all time comedy artists from the USA, England and elsewhere, go to the website LAUGHTERLOG.COM or write to LAUGHTERLOG.COM P.O.Box 1333 Shepparton Vic 3632. Everything from the Three Stooges to The Goons, you name it, it's there, magazines, CDs, DVDs, movies, docos, radio shows etc. If interested it's worth checking out!
