Al Jolson Biography, Photos and Posters

Al Jolson

Biography

Born: May 26, 1885
City and Country of Origin: Seredzius, Lithuania
Music Background:
Awards:
Top Recordings: "You Made Me Love You," "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody," "Swanee," "April Showers," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye," "California, Here I Come," "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbin' Along," "Sonny Boy" and "Avalon"
Al Jolson Biography: Asa Yoelson was born to Moshe Reuben Yoelson and Naomi Etta Cantor. His father was the Rabbi of Talmud Torah Synagogue in Washington, D. C. He became a popular singer on the New York vaudeville scene, in 1998, where he developed his style of blackface makeup, articualted gestures, operatic style singing and whistling. He parlayed a supporting role in the Broadway play L Belle Paree into a starring role by 1911. In a career that spanned almost 30 years he is best remembered for his starring role in the film The Jazz Singer which was the first motion picture with sound. In an age when there was no Billboard magazine charts it is estimated of their staff archivist Joel Whitburn that Jolson has the equivalent of 23 number 1 hit records, putting him fourth on the all time list behind only Bing Crosby, Paul Whiteman, and Guy Lombardo. A political conservative he supported Calvin Coolidge for president with the ditty "Keep Cool with Coolidge."

He was married to actress/dancer Ruby Keeler from 1928-1940. After his recording career he found success in radio. In 1946 his career was resurrected with the film biography The Jolson Story starring Larry Parks in the title role. Jolson had a bit part. As a result of the film a whole new generation became enchanted with Joslon's voice and charm. He was voted "Most Popular Male Vocalist" in 1948 by a Variety poll.
Died: October 23, 1950

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