Al Jolson was renowned as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" for over 40 years, with his influence extending beyond his death to inspire notable performers like Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Jackie Wilson, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Born Asa Yoelson in Seredzius, Lithuania, to a Jewish family, Al Jolson's early life was marked by tragedy when his mother died during childbirth, leaving his father to raise him and his brother, Harry. The brothers began performing together, entertaining senators and soldiers, and even performed for troops headed to the Spanish-American War.
Jolson's vaudeville career started with his brother in New York, but it wasn't until he performed as a solo act in San Francisco that he gained success. He was eventually signed by Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, a sophisticated and topical revue that differed from traditional minstrel shows.
Jolson's talent was quickly recognized by the Shubert Brothers, who signed him to appear in the opening show of their new Winter Garden Theater on Broadway in 1912. This marked the beginning of what many consider the greatest career in Broadway history, with Jolson becoming known as "King of the Winter Garden" and receiving reviews that have yet to be matched.
In 1927, Jolson starred in the film The Jazz Singer, which electrified audiences and caused a sensation. However, his screen appearances were often stiff and wooden, and he was no longer the star he once was. He continued to entertain on radio and stage, and even performed for troops during World War II.
After the war, Jolson's stardom began to fade, but a biography film, The Jolson Story, was released in 1946 and became a surprise hit, with Larry Parks miming to Jolson's vocals. The film's success led to a sequel, Jolson Sings Again, and Jolson's star rose once more. He was voted "The Most Popular Male Vocalist" by a Variety poll in 1948, ahead of popular performers like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Perry Como.
In 1950, Jolson went to Korea to entertain American troops, despite his doctor's orders, and shortly after his return to the U.S., he suffered a massive heart attack and died.
