Jolson

Al Jolson (born Asa Yoelson; May 26, 1886 – October 23, 1950) was an American singer, actor, and comedian who became one of the most popular entertainers of the early 20th century. Known as the "World’s Greatest Entertainer," Jolson was a pioneer in the integration of music and film, helping to shape the development of the talkie era.

Born in Slawuta, Ukraine (then part of the Russian Empire), Jolson immigrated to the United States with his family in 1891. He began his career performing in vaudeville, where his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence quickly drew attention. By the 1910s, he had transitioned to Broadway, where he starred in several successful musicals, including *Sinbad the Sailor* (1919) and *The Jazz Singer* (1927), which featured early synchronized dialogue and music.

Jolson’s breakthrough came with the 1927 film *The Jazz Singer*, the first feature-length motion picture with synchronized sound. Though it was a partial talkie, the film’s innovative use of recorded music and dialogue made it a landmark in cinema history. His iconic performance of "Mammy" in the film, along with his signature blackface makeup, became cultural symbols of the era.

Throughout his career, Jolson recorded numerous popular songs, including "Swanee," "April Showers," and "Toot, Toot, Tootsie." His recordings and performances often blended blues, jazz, and vaudeville styles, appealing to a broad audience. Despite controversy surrounding his use of blackface—a practice later criticized for its racial stereotypes—Jolson remained a dominant figure in entertainment until his death in 1950 from a heart attack.

Jolson’s influence extended beyond entertainment, as he was one of the first major stars to transition from stage to film, paving the way for future performers. His legacy endures in discussions of early Hollywood, musical theater, and the evolution of recorded music.