Al Jolson Collection

Al Jolson
(1886 – 1950)

Al Jolson (1886-1950)

Al Jolson was a master entertainer and his performing career spanned 50 years. Jolson made a break in his career by deciding one evening to perform in "black face" at a San Francisco club; this soon became his trademark in show business.

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He performed for US soldiers during four separate wars: The Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. He was the first person to speak in a feature film "The Jazz Singer" based on his life. His first words were the famous lines "You ain' t heard nothing yet."This is a collection of Al Jolson guest appearances and his starring role on the Kraft Music Hall radio program.

Al Jolson was a staunch Civil Rights activist and helped open opportunities for African-Americans on Broadway. For more interesting reading, see also: article on the history of Minstrel Shows and Old Time Radio.