Unbelievable Creatures

IV – Al Jolson (1886 – 1950)

Artist by excellence, Al believed he could
sing well only if he were dyed in black,
becoming the first superstar.

Born Asa Yoelson in Lithuania, circa 1886 (his exact date of birth is
uncertain), the man who was later to be billed as The World’s Greatest
Entertainer, emigrated with his family to America, where the Yoelsons set up home in Washington DC
at the end of the 19th century. The Jewish family lived in impoverished circumstances, in common with
most other immigrant families, while Asa’s father followed his calling as a cantor at a local synagogue. 

Together with his older brother, Hirsch, young Asa ran away from home in his early teens, hoping to
pursue a career as an entertainer (once his father was radically against artistic life). After many years
spent learning his trade in the rough and tumble of American show-business, during which time he and
his brother went their separate ways, Al Jolson finally achieved success when he won a part in the 1911
Broadway production, La Belle Paree, at the Winter Garden Theatre.

He enjoyed performing in blackface makeup – a theatrical convention in the early 20th century. With his
unique and dynamic style of singing black music, like jazz and blues, he was later credited with single-
handedly introducing African-American music to white audiences. As early as 1911, at the age of 25, he
also became noted for fighting black discrimination on the Broadway stage. Jolson’s well-known theatrics
and his promotion of equality on Broadway helped pave the way for many black performers, playwrights,
and songwriters, including Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and Ethel Waters.

A staunch patriot, his contribution towards bolstering the morale of front line troops in this conflict and
during the two world wars is largely recognized. During an era marked by conflict and depression,
Jolson’s ebullient good humour, and the unfailing optimism expressed in his art, quickened the heartbeat
and lifted the spirits of ordinary people everywhere. He died in October 1950, shortly after returning from
entertaining UN troops in Korea.

Despite the years that have elapsed since his passing, Jolson is still fondly remembered by millions,
including many of today’s popular entertainers who readily acknowledge his influence upon their own
careers. His memory is perpetuated by a thriving fan club, The International Al Jolson Society. Yet he will
be forever remembered for his leading role in the first talking movie ever made, The Jazz Singer,
released in 1927.

WATCH THE ART OF THE GRAET AL JOLSON IN

THE MOVIE “ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE”
(1939)