*PLEASE NOTE information here is what is known at any given time, please check first in case of any changes etc.
AL JOLSON RECORDS FOR SALE
Corinne Rapps in Western Australia has some original Al Jolson 78" records to sell at economical prices. If interested contact her at [email protected]
CHIP DEFFAA
Al Jolson American show biz historian, producer, director, actor, writer, record producer, is scheduled to be interviewed on Sunday June 9 2024 by society honorary member Kevin Trask on his That's Entertainment radio program 3INR Inner FM 96.5 Melbourne Australia from 12noon-2pm. Most likely discussion will include Al Jolson, his CD releases of him etc, available on Amazon, Ebay, digital download, and via this society.
AL JOLSON REDISCOVERED: DYNAMIC PUBLIC-DOMAIN PERFORMANCES - Curated by Chip Deffaa
Offers some two dozen performances by the man billed throughout his career as "The World's Greatest Entertainer". This collection includes soundtrack recordings from the landmark Jolson films that ushered talking pictures "The Jazz Singer" (1927) and "The Singing Fool" (1928) including one rare number missing from the version of "The Singing Fool" that's seen today. Plus ebullient acoustic studio recordings and early radio performances. One rare early radio presentation (never before released on CD) traces Jolson's career. This album is available on Amazon, Ebay, or as a digital download.
*This album is part of a series of historic reissues (please note below)
AL JOLSON SINGS IRVING BERLIN - Curated 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, Ebay, or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON KING OF BROADWAY - Curated 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, Ebay, or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON'S BROADWAY - Curated 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, Ebay, 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.
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.
AL JOLSON RECORDS FOR SALE
Corinne Rapps in Western Australia has some original Al Jolson 78" records to sell at economical prices. If interested contact her at [email protected]
CHIP DEFFAA
Al Jolson American show biz historian, producer, director, actor, writer, record producer, is scheduled to be interviewed on Sunday June 9 2024 by society honorary member Kevin Trask on his That's Entertainment radio program 3INR Inner FM 96.5 Melbourne Australia from 12noon-2pm. Most likely discussion will include Al Jolson, his CD releases of him etc, available on Amazon, Ebay, digital download, and via this society.
AL JOLSON REDISCOVERED: DYNAMIC PUBLIC-DOMAIN PERFORMANCES - Curated by Chip Deffaa
Offers some two dozen performances by the man billed throughout his career as "The World's Greatest Entertainer". This collection includes soundtrack recordings from the landmark Jolson films that ushered talking pictures "The Jazz Singer" (1927) and "The Singing Fool" (1928) including one rare number missing from the version of "The Singing Fool" that's seen today. Plus ebullient acoustic studio recordings and early radio performances. One rare early radio presentation (never before released on CD) traces Jolson's career. This album is available on Amazon, Ebay, or as a digital download.
*This album is part of a series of historic reissues (please note below)
AL JOLSON SINGS IRVING BERLIN - Curated 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, Ebay, or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON KING OF BROADWAY - Curated 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, Ebay, or as a digital download.
AL JOLSON'S BROADWAY - Curated 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, Ebay, 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.
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.
