Biography
Al Jolson, born Asa Yoelson on May 26, 1886, in Sredniki, Russian Empire (now Lithuania), was an American singer, comedian, actor, and vaudeville performer of Jewish descent. His family immigrated to Washington, D.C., where his father worked as a cantor; after his mother's death when he was eight, young Asa found solace in street corner singing and performing with his brother Harry for soldiers and senators during the Spanish-American War era. He began his career in burlesque and vaudeville in New York, initially struggling, but broke through as a solo act in San Francisco around 1906, adopting blackface with a distinctive style featuring white gloves, socks, and outlined mouth to emphasize his dynamic singing and whistling.[1][3][4]
Jolson's career skyrocketed in 1909 when he joined Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, refining his blackface persona, and by 1911 he starred in Broadway revues like La Belle Paree and Vera Violetta, introducing improvisational gags and songs such as Stephen Foster tunes. Hits like Sinbad (1918) featured George Gershwin's 'Swanee' and his signature 'My Mammy,' making him Broadway's biggest star by 1920. His brash, extroverted style popularized African-American musical forms for white audiences; he starred in The Jazz Singer (1927), the first major talking picture, cementing his fame through films, records, radio, and WWII troop entertainments. A 1940s revival via The Jolson Story (1946) and Decca recordings saw him voted 'Most Popular Male Vocalist' in 1948 despite younger rivals like Bing Crosby.[1][3][4]
Jolson died on October 23, 1950, from a heart attack shortly after performing 42 shows for Korean War troops, earning a posthumous Medal for Merit. His legacy is complex: hailed as 'The World's Greatest Entertainer' for opening white ears to black musical traditions, yet criticized for perpetuating blackface stereotypes, though he fought Broadway discrimination as early as 1911 and was praised by Black publications.[1][4]
Fun Facts
- Jolson whistled melodic trills on stage starting around 1909, a trademark that punctuated his songs and gags throughout his career.[3]
- In 1950, against doctor's orders, he performed 42 shows in 16 days for Korean War troops, leading to physical exhaustion and his death weeks later.[1][4]
- Despite competition from Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, a 1948 Variety poll voted him 'Most Popular Male Vocalist.'[1][4]
- He stayed in earthquake-devastated San Francisco post-1906, performing to cheer residents and becoming a Western vaudeville star.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lew Dockstader - Producer and star who signed Jolson to his minstrel troupe, launching his blackface career (Dockstader's Minstrels) [1909]
- Harry Akst - Musician, accompanist, song selector, and close friend who shaped Jolson's stage performance (Vaudeville and early Broadway solos) [1909 onward]
Key Collaborators
- George Gershwin - Composer whose first hit was introduced by Jolson ('Swanee' in Sinbad) [1918-1919]
- Irving Berlin - Songwriter who provided music for Jolson's films ('Blue Skies' in The Jazz Singer (1927), Mammy (1930) including 'Let Me Sing and I'm Happy') [1927-1930]
- Oscar Levant - Piano-playing sidekick and co-host on radio (Kraft Music Hall) [1947-1949]
Artists Influenced
- Sammy Davis Jr. - Cited Jolson as a key inspiration for performance style (N/A) [Post-1950]
- Elvis Presley - Mentioned Jolson as an influence on energetic stage presence (N/A) [Post-1950]
- Mick Jagger - Acknowledged Jolson's impact on showmanship (N/A) [Post-1950]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Al Johnson has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 09:07 | Carnival Timefrom Mardi Gras In New Orleans [Mardi | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 11:12 | DON'T GO, SANTA | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 10:18 | Hotter Than Thatfrom Native Son | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 13:03 | LENA | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |