Lithuanian-born American entertainer, actor, and singer
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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses minstrelsy and blackface and includes a recording of a 1902 ‘coon song,' presented as historical evidence. Racial slurs occur in the song's title and in the discussion around it. In this episode, author Peter Doggett and host Nate Wilcox discuss "Electric Shock: From the Gramophone to the iPhone – 125 Years of Pop Music." This one is about the first people the recording business ever made famous, and the wildly different deals it offered them. George Washington Johnson had no way to copy a wax cylinder, so every single one sold had to be recorded again — he sang the same laugh an estimated forty thousand times. Ten years later Enrico Caruso sang once into a gramophone and the factory made the copies. Same business, different decades, completely different deals, and that is the story of the evolution of the American music business. Also: radio's sudden arrival in the 1920s and what it did to record sales, Bert Williams, Irving Berlin, and Al Jolson — the biggest entertainer in America in his day, and why almost nobody has heard him since. With music: Caruso's “The Lost Chord,” Bert Williams' “Nobody” and “He's a Cousin of Mine,” George Washington Johnson's “Laughing Song” from the 1890s, and Jolson's “When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along,” cut for Brunswick in 1926. This episode originally dropped in 2018. GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE -- The final 15 minutes of this episode are exclusively for paying subscribers to the Let It Roll Substack. Also subscribe to the LET IT ROLL EXTRA feed on Apple, Spotify or your preferred podcast service to access the full episodes via your preferred podcast outlet. We've got all 350+ episodes listed, organized by mini-series, genre, era, co-host, guest and more. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support the show. Thanks! Email letitrollpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter. Let It Roll is proud to be part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're relaunching Let It Roll by reposting every episode in chronological order by subject matter. In this episode, host Nate Wilcox interviews Gary Giddins to discuss the opening section of his classic book "Visions of Jazz" including discussions of vaudeville greats Al Jolson and Bert Williams, W.C Handy, the man who "discovered" the blues and Louis Armstrong's signifying takes on old time songs of slavery and some of the forgotten Black songwriters of 1920s Tin Pan Alley. This episode originally dropped in 2023. GO TO THE LET IT ROLL SUBSTACK TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE -- The final 15 minutes of this episode are exclusively for paying subscribers to the Let It Roll Substack. Also subscribe to the LET IT ROLL EXTRA feed on Apple, Spotify or your preferred podcast service to access the full episodes via your preferred podcast outlet. We've got all 350+ episodes listed, organized by mini-series, genre, era, co-host, guest and more. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to support the show. Thanks! Email letitrollpodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Twitter. Let It Roll is proud to be part of Pantheon Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The story goes that a century or so ago there was a strange annual ball in Chicago. A model of irony, it was a fancy affair in the city's sordid South Side, financed by wealthy society folk but reserved for the community's prostitutes and their sugar daddies.Some believe that songwriter Shelton Brooks so loved those tales that he celebrated this modern equivalent of the medieval carnivals of misrule with his most famous composition.“As far as I can find, this event was not called ‘the Darktown Strutters' Ball,'” writes our favorite song sleuth Elijah Wald, “but I guess that seemed like a more marketable title than ‘Pimps and Hookers Ball.'”Shelton RecallsIn 1972 British singer/music historian Ian Whitcomb located and interviewed Brooks just three years before the venerable composer's death. During their visit, Brooks told Whitcomb that he wrote the song after hearing a story about an ordinary working stiff who got “an invitation to an affair to be given by the local pimps. A big ball. All a mistake and he should never have been asked.” (Incidentally, some sources suggest Brooks's song referred instead to a ball at the 1915 San Francisco Pacific-Panama Exposition. )Shelton's Biggest HitIn either case, it was a real-life party that inspired the song that became one of the first monster hits of the early recording age.Brooks, his composing cred already established with hits like “I Wonder Where My Easy Rider's Gone,” brought “Darktown Strutters' Ball” to vaudeville in 1917 where it was introduced by stars like Sophie Tucker. After that “Darktown Strutters' Ball” sold more than three million copies as sheet music.The first recording of the song was made by Canadian vaudeville band Six Brown Brothers in May 1917 for Victor Records in New York City. This was followed a few weeks later by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band's instrumental version for Columbia. The latter is one of the earliest commercial jazz records and was the No. 3 song of 1917, later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.The song quickly became a staple of dozens of pop and jazz artists including Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, Fats Domino, Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Al Jolson, Django Reinhardt, the Savoy Quartet, Wilbur Sweatman's Original Jazz Band, and Lieutenant James Europe's 369th Infantry Jazz Band. Ted Lewis and His Band had a hit with it in 1927.The Flood's Take on the TuneWe had our old buddy Jim Rumbaugh in the band room last week. As we've reported, Jim will be sitting in with us next week when The Flood plays at the latest Diamond Teeth Mary blues festival.After we'd worked on the blues tunes we'll do for the show, we switched this rocking old Roaring Twenties number for a happy change of pace.It all went well until we tried to tag the tune with a classic ending that our late Chuck Romine always favored. Hey, who knew there'd be spelling?!More Tunes from the Teens and the ‘20s?Meanwhile, if this week's podcast has you in the mood for more of the tunes that rocked Grandpa and Grandma at the start of the last century, man, do we have you covered! A lot of The Flood's favorite songs come from the Roarin' Twenties and we have an easy way for you to find them.Just click this link to reach the “Tunes on a Timeline” section of our archives, then on the resulting page, just scroll down to find a time period you're looking for.When you see a tune you want to hear (such as “(I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My) Sister Kate” in the above example), click a title to hear the guys doing that song along with a bit of the song's back story.… Or Floodango It!Or if you'd rather just randomize it, you might turn on Radio Floodango's free Holum Channel, where all the tunes in the rotation are from the ‘20s and ‘30s.Click here to give it a spin.And as we've said, we've now got ways to mobilize the ol' Floodanago. Click here to find out how to put the Flood radio on your computer desktop and on an iPhone to make your Flood fix always just a click away. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 1937flood.substack.com
Today's episode date is a unique one, and purely for fun. On September 17, 1907, an iconic company was officially incorporated. It's a company that's still going strong today. It was...Harley-Davidson. Yes, I'm doing an episode about the motorcycles. And, as always, I've got three additional history stories that you've probably never heard before, but I promise you'll enjoy.EPISODE SOURCES“100-Mile Guard Set to Trap Man in Bridge Mystery.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri), September 18, 1907. www.newspapers.com.Advertisement. “$1,000 Reward for the Capture of the Mysterious Mr. Raffles (Page 7).” Louisville Herald (Louisville, Kentucky), September 17, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Baby Lost in Station Found in Utah Asylum.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri), September 17, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Bicycles (Notice-Harley Davidson Wins Again) Page 5.” Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York), September 3, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Bridge Resorts Paroled.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat (St. Louis, Missouri), October 11, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Claims to Have Lost $236,000 on Train.” Brooklyn Daily Times (Brooklyn, New York), September 17, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Deputy Goes to Arrest Man in Bridge Mystery.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri), September 17, 1907. www.newspapers.com.The early history of Harley-Davidson . Accessed July 10, 2026.https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/content/expert-advice/harley-davidson-early-history.html.“Fortune Lost on Railroad Train.” Fall River Herald (Fall River, Massachusetts), September 18, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Girl in Bridge Mystery Meets Father in Jail.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, Missouri), September 19, 1907. www.newspapers.com.Harley-Davidson. Accessed July 10, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harley-Davidson. “Recovers Jewel Box.” Syracuse Herald-Journal (Syracuse, New York), October 3, 1907. www.newspapers.com.United Press. “Recovers Her Child She Thought Kidnapped.” The Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa), September 17, 1907. www.newspapers.com.“Widow of Heroic Engineer the Captor of Raffles at Coliseum Rink, Winning $200.” The Louisville Herald (Louisville, Kentucky), October 11, 1907. www.newspapers.com.Al Jolson. “I'll Say She Does.” www.pixabay.com/music.Lucille Hegamin and The Dixie Daisies. “Cold Winter Blues.” www.pixabay.com/music.Sophie Tucker. “Reuben Rag.” www.pixabay.com/music.
Then And Now - Al Jolson - Aired 10/01/1936Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/harold-s-old-time-radio--4206392/support.
A Landslide Victory and the Birth of a New Era Guest: David Pietrusza Warren G. Harding secured one of the most lopsided victories in history, winning 60% of the popular vote and 404 electoral votes. His victory was fueled by modern advertising techniques, including celebrity endorsements from stars like Al Jolson. On election night, Americans received results through early radio broadcasts and by having numbers projected onto the walls of newspaper offices. While history often views Harding as a weak administrator, Pietrusza contends he was a strong politician who successfully focused on restructuring government and reducing national debt. His presidency ended abruptly with a fatal heart attack in 1923, leading to the famous midnight swearing-in of Calvin Coolidge by his father in Vermont. Coolidge's subsequent presidency was defined by his commitment to public service, modest living, and a philosophy of independent leadership that restored public trust in the executive branch. (7)1920
Starting with some Jolson - Keeler banter, and punctuated by a Jolson remark, here is a greate performance of "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody" by Al Jolson from June 15, 1936. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Another unique item from the June 15, 1936, broadcast is this rendition of "Is It True What They Say About Dixie?" which included a rarely heard verse, and not Jolson's usual ending for the tune. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Unlike other renditions of "Toot, Toot, Toosie," this one from a June 15, 1936, broadcast features sounds of Ruby tap dancng rather than Al whistling duing the bridge. One wonders it it's really Ruby's shoes or a sound man's device. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
My guest on this episode is Andrew L. Erdman, who is the author of the new book: Beautiful — The Story of Julian Eltinge, America's Greatest Female Impersonator. In the late 19th and early 20th Century — long before the fierce television Drag stars of today — a specific style of drag performance known as Female Impersonation was wildly popular on stage and screen — in America and around the world. And no female impersonator was more famous, successful, or highly regarded than Julian Eltinge. Although barely remembered today, in his time, Eltinge was on a par with Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, and Fanny Brice, and was so popular and renowned that he even had a Broadway theater named after him! That theater still exists, and you can still go there and see Julian Eltinge — but you will have to listen to the episode(s) to find out where and how. Author Andrew Erdman has immersed himself in this remarkable era of show biz history; his previous book was the equally fascinating Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanquay Become a PATRON of Broadway Nation! This podcast is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including members John Schroeder and Alan Brodie. For just $7.00 a month, you will receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host Albert Evans that have not been featured on the podcast. All patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgment of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jolie and Georgie joined voices for a spirited rendition of the George M Cohan classic, "Give My Regards To Broadway," from the June 11, 1937, broadcast of "Hollywood Hotel." There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Introduced by George Jessel on the June 11, 1937, "Hollywood Hotel" program, Al Jolson sang "My Blushin' Rosie," with an arrangement and lyrics more faithful to the original than the version heard in "The Jolson Story." There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Le premier film « parlant », Le chanteur de jazz, a remporté un succès fou en Amérique. Son acteur principal, Al Jolson, était déjà célèbre pour ses interprétations de Gershwin.En octobre 1927 à New York, le film Jazz Singer d'Al Jolson marque un tournant historique pour l'industrie cinématographique. Jusqu'alors, le cinéma était muet et les salles équipées de pianistes pour accompagner les projections. Mais avec l'arrivée du film parlant, c'est toute une époque qui bascule.
A Mixed Bag on a Tuesday First, a look at the events of the day.Then, Suspense, originally broadcast June 2, 1952, 74 years ago, A Good and Faithful Servant starring Jack Benny. Jack's second appearance on Suspense. An accountant in a department store, who is nearing retirement, carries out an ingenious plan to steal $50,000 - yet all does not go as smoothly as he had hoped.Followed by Screen Directors Playhouse, originally broadcast June 2, 1950, 76 years ago, She Wouldn't Say Yes starring Rosalind Russell reprising her role in the 1945 motion picture. A lady psychiatrist falls for a man she meets on a train, with funny if somewhat predictable results. Then, Lux Radio Theater, originally broadcast June 2, 1947, 79 years ago, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson reprising his 1927 screen role. An adaptation of the first talking feature from 1927 about the son of a Cantor who must choose between a career on the stage and his father's wishes. Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast June 2, 1948, 78 years ago, Peace and Quiet. David at home. Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Debbie B. for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! If you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old-time radio shows 24 hours a day
Appearing on Eddie Cantor's radio program on June 4, 1941, Al paid tribute to Eddie's wedding anniversary by singing "Ida" in tribute to Eddie's wife of 27 years. After the song, Eddie noted Al's generosity with his payment for the broadcast. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
The BOB & TOM Show – May 26, 2026 6:00 AM Queer tattoo discussion Tom is exhausted Listener letter: Didn't get two days off and was in a bad mood Listener letter: Marriage has not changed Tom Discussion about brain wrinkles and intelligence Listener letter: Never met a successful person who smokes marijuana Listener letter: Trip to Oslo, Norway reminded listener of Tom Listener letter: 26 years old and cannot play solitaire Josh says he has never had sex in a tent Blackhawk helicopters flying over Speedway Listener letter: “I'm old school until Tom talks” “Palisades Park” by Freddy Cannon Listener letter: A movie helped someone get lucky after a date Listener letter: Started a new job and saw a funny personalized license plate 7:00 AM Jeff joins the studio Listener letter: Camping romance discussion Listener letter: Schools in the Finger Lakes stay in session until June 26 New sports intro featuring Tom yawning Sports segment Tom tells story about helping a man who did not speak English Tom attempts Japanese while riding an elevator with two Japanese men at the 500 More sports World record discussion: Most tongue-to-nose touches in one minute Tom forgot he was wearing a cowboy hat and sunglasses 8:00 AM Josh talks about beard dye day Today in History Kristi discusses watching Herbie movies Tom wishes Al Jolson a happy birthday Discussion: “Where do you rest your peter?” Top hat discussion Stevie Nicks story about the color yellow affecting her aura Chick shares interview story involving Melissa Etheridge 9:00 AM Discussion about a picture of Kristi Pat performs campfire song Story about a man repeatedly flashing neighbors Story about a drunk woman driving on a golf course Chick rates Tom as a poor conversationalist Jeff discusses Hooters possibly changing its name Tom talking “like an adult” Online caper discussion involving a Tesla truck Generation X laxative comedy bit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Blueberry Cheesecake Day. Entertainment from 1982. 1st family to drive across US, 1st settler & Native Indian war, Ellis Island ruled to be in New Jersey. Todays birthdays - Al Jolson, John Wayne, Peggy Lee, James Arness, Stevie Nicks, Hank Williams Jr., Pam Grier, Bobcat Goldthwait, Lenny Kravitz, Helena Bonham Carter, Matt Stone, Lauryn Hill. Eddie Albert died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/Blueberry cheesecake - Younmin feat hardiiEbony & Ivory - Paul McCartney & Stevie WonderJust to satisfy you - Waylon Jennings & Willie NelsonBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent http://50cent.com/Swanee - Al JolsonFever - Peggy LeeGunsmoke TV themeEdge of Seventeen - Stevie NicksBorn to boogie - Hank Williams jrAmerican woman - Lenny KravitzSouth Park TV themeDoo Wop (that thing0 - Lauryn HillExit - 19 - Shane Owens Shane on FacebookHistory & Factoids about today Playlist on SpotifyHistory & Factoids about today webpagecooolmedia.comcountryundergroundradio.comNational Days - May Puzzle BookGrace & Grit Christian Country Radio
To tee up the Great Performances l PBS documentary, "Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy," we interview its producer/director Michael Kantor and play some great show tunes from Jewish creators, performed by Barbra Streisand, Joel Grey, Al Jolson, Sammy Davis, Jr. and more.
In a broadcast to soldiers around the world, Al Jolson opened his May 13, 1942, set with George Gershwin's "Swanee." There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson brought back memories singing "My Mammy" on a May 13, 1942, radio broadcast to soldiers around the world. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
"California, Here I Come" was a song that Al Jolson loved to sing, as he does here on a May 13, 1942, broadcase to soldiers around the world. He said it was an often requested song, and it still is. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1930 film Just Imagine I'm joined by Amanda Kusek who writes the The 90-Minute Movie newsletter, and we talk about the vision of 1980 as seen from 1930, how the film takes on a completely new plot nearly halfway through, and some out of this world imaginings of what people on Mars might be like.You can watch Just Imagine on YouTube, Tubi or the Amazon Prime or pick up a physical copy for your collection and be sure to check out Amanda's newsletter.Other films mentioned in this episode include:Planet of the Apes directed by Franklin J. SchaffnerThe Wizard of Oz directed by Victor FlemingBack to the Future Part II directed by Robert ZemeckisWings directed by William A. Wellman and Harry d'Abbadie d'ArrastTarzan (film series)It's a Wonderful Life directed by Frank CapraA Woman of Affairs directed by Clarence Leon BrownFrankenstein directed by James WhaleCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesOther referenced topics:"California, Here I Come" written by Buddy DeSilva and performed by Al Jolson"California" by Phantom PlanetThe O.C. (series)Film Daily note about the print kept for future reviewNew York Times reviewNora Fiore writing on The Nitrate DivaJanne Wass on scifist.netSupport the show
Al Jolson singing "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Carolina In The Morning," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Toot, Toot Tootsie (Goo'Bye)," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Sonny Boy," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "I Only Have Eyes For You," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Baby Face," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Chinatown, My Chinatown," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Back In Your Own Backyard," in a performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson singing "Is It True What They Say About Dixie," in a solo performance from the Lux Radio Theatre broacast of "Jolson Sings Again" from May 22, 1950. This is one of nine songs posted from that program. There is more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Variety on a SaturdayFirst, a look at this day in History.Then, Lux Radio Theater, originally broadcast May 16, 1949, 77 years ago, April Showers starring Jack Carson and Dorothy Lamour. A story of the "good old days" of Vaudeville, based on the 1948 movie which starred Jack Carson and Ann Sothern, inspired by the early vaudeville career of Buster KeatonFollowed by Opportunity USA, originally broadcast May 16, 1949, 77 years ago. A variety program promoting the "Opportunity Drive" for the sales of Savings Bonds. The lineup includes Lum and Abner, Bob Hope, Irene Dunne, Lionel Barrymore, Jo Stafford, Al Jolson, Roy Rogers, The Riders Of The Purple Sage, and more. Finally, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast May 16, 1955, 71 years ago, McGee Finds an Old Recipe for Chili. McGee's chili con carne. Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! Find the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html
Introduced by Jack Benny, Al Jolson sang what may be his theme song, "April Showers," as his opening number on Benny's May 18, 1947, radio show. This clip is edited for brevity, and there is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Introduced by Jack Benny, Al Jolson sang "You Made Me Love You" as he did in "The Jolson Story" on Benny's May 18, 1947, radio show. This clip is edited for brevity, and there is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Variety on a WednesdayFirst, a look at this day in History.Then, Amos ‘n' Andy, originally broadcast May 6, 1951, 75 years ago, The Annual Lodge Picnic. The lodge picnic is this Saturday and the Kingfish has to come up with the $380 needed for it...fast! The picnic winds up being held on an artillery range!Followed by The Big Show starring Tallulah Bankhead, originally broadcast May 6, 1951, 75 years ago. The last show of the season. Groucho Marx does a funny dialogue with Tallulah. George Jessel delivers a eulogy for "The Big Show." Fred Allen teaches Tallulah how to collect unemployment insurance, and Margaret Truman sings. Groucho sings "Go West." Jessel does a monologue in praise of Hollywood and imitates Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. "Advice To The Little Peyton Girl," by Dorothy Parker, with Tallulah and Margaret Truman. Marriage counselor Groucho advises Fred Allen and Ginger Rogers! Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast May 6, 1948, 78 years ago, Noises in the Pipe. Claudia and David are doing the dishes...without a maid. Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star. Thanks to Bill B for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order!
Introduced by Bing Crosby, Al Jolson sang Irving Berlin's "Lazy" as only he could sing it. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson and Bing Crosby with a heartfelt duet of this Irving Berlin song, "All My Myself." There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson and Bing Crosby recorded "Alexander's Ragtime Band" for Decca about a month before this live broadcast. Here they recreate the number, with a few differences from the recording, and maybe some more pep as well. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Noted to be a bit late in Irving Berlin's comments after the song, Al Jolson and Bing Crosby do justice to "Easter Parade." There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
6. From Prison to the Porch: The Final Push for Votes Guest: David Pietrusza Harding's "front porch" campaign utilized early advertising and Hollywood stars like Al Jolson to reach voters. The results were an overwhelming Republican landslide, with Harding winning 60% of the popular vote as the nation rejected Wilsonian internationalism in favor of a return to normalcy. 61936
Introduced by Bing Crosby, Al Jolson gave a spirited rendition of "Give My Regards To Broadway" as he was introduced on Croby's May 3, 1950, program. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
The first "Jolson song" heard in "The Jolson Story," Bing and Al joined voices in a wonderful duet of "Ma Blushin' Rosie" on Bing's May 3, 1950 program. Here it is with introduction, gaffs, and botched lyrics. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Two great voices singing a great song, "Lullaby of Broadway," in this duet by Al Jolson and Bing Crosby from Crosby's May 3, 1950, radio program. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Bob Hope welcomed Al Jolson to his broadcast on April 8, 1947. Bandleader Desi Arnaz, to the consternation of Bob Hope, waited for the applause to die down before starting the band with "California, Here I Come," which Al Jolson sang to a rousing reception. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Introduced by Bob Hope, here is Al Jolson singing Irving Berlin's "Always." Listen for Hope's comment over the applause at the end of the song. This is from the April 8, 1947, Bob Hope program. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Al Jolson was on Bob Hope's radio program on April 8, 1947, and opened with "California, Here I Come" (that is on another podcast in this series). But Bob Hope had to have his try with the song, emulating Jolson. Jolson's comments, and gaff, at the end are priceles. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Among the many Irving Berlin tunes, this song, "Lazy," is one of my favorites, Here is Al Jolson giving it his special touch from The Lux Radio Theatre which presented a radio adaptation of the film, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," on April 7, 1947. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Sung only a handful of times by Al Jolson, "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody" was a tune written for the Ziegfeld Follies of 1919. Here is Jolson singing it from The Lux Radio Theatre presention of a radio adaptation of the film, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," on April 7, 1947. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
The Lux Radio Theatre presented a radio adaptation of the film, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," on April 7, 1947. Here, from that broadcast, is Al Jolson singing the title tune, as only he could. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.
Often considered Al Jolson's signature song, he rarely sang "My Mammy" on the radio. Here he is on the Bing Crosby program of 02 Apr 47 in a performance well received by the audience. There is much more material in the complete program which, along with other Jolson radio shows, circulates on the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org.