Al Jolson

Al Jolson (1886-1950), American stage and film performer, most noted for his role in the film The Jazz Singer. He was born Asa Yoelson, probably in St Petersburg, Russia. As a child he sang in the synagogue where his father was a cantor. At the age of 13 he made his first stage appearance in Children of the Ghetto in New York, and went on to become a circus performer and café entertainer. He then toured with a company known as Dockstader's Minstrels; minstrel-style singing in blackface makeup became Jolson's trademark. In 1911 he made his musical comedy debut in La Belle Paree. Jolson achieved wide popularity starring on Broadway in many musicals tailored to his talents; these included Robinson Crusoe, Jr. (1916), Sinbad (1918), Big Boy (1925), and Wonder Bar (1931). In 1927 he starred in The Jazz Singer, the first important film with synchronized sound. Other successful films included The Jolson Story (1946) and Jolson Sings Again (1949). He was also a popular radio and recording artist.