Al Jolson

Celebrity

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Al Jolson Fast Facts:

Is widely considered the first openly Jewish man to become an entertainment star.
At 14, ran away from home to live in New York, and eventually became a circus performer.
Partnered with his brother Harry to form a vaudeville act in 1904.
In an attempt to feel more comfortable performing a comedy skit, began appearing in blackface, which quickly became his trademark.
Made his Broadway debut in 1911 in La Belle Paree, and went on to become the highest paid stage performer at the time.
In 1921, at the age of 32, became the youngest person to have a theater named after him when Jolson's Fifty-ninth Street Theater opened. On opening night, he got a case of stage fright and almost couldn't go on; his brother had to push him on stage. He received 37 curtain calls.
In 1927, starred in The Jazz Singer, which mirrored his own life. It was the first commercially successful "talkie."
Is often credited with introducing ragtime, jazz and blues to white audiences through his movies and songs.
During a Korean War USO tour, he put on 42 performances in 16 days for the troops.
His performance of George Gershwin's "Swanee" helped to establish Gershwin's reputation as a major composer.