Al Jolson - American Legion

|The Man|Jolson's Legacy|Memorials to Jolson|American Legion Palm Springs

Al Jolson and the
Palm Springs American Legion Hall

In early 1948, the American Legion Hall in Palm Springs became the home for many top radio shows of the day — including the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson with Oscar Levant. The building was the dream of verterans of the First World War, who knew what soldiers of World War II would appreciate when they came home. After a public campaign to raise funds, the building was dedicated on June 3, 1948; and the stars soon arrived.

The history of the building was recounted in an article in the The Desert Sun newspaper, in 2015. Click here to read that article: Radio history made at Palm Springs American Legion.

The studio used by Al Jolson and others was lost to history, until uncovered during work on the building. At right is a television broadcast detailing the studio. Thanks to David Miller, there are now several tributes to Al Jolson at the facility.

To begin with, here are photos of the different areas of the facility, and some interesting links to the Jolson broadcasts.

	A look at the control room today, with the original equipment displayed on the shelf.

	The original piano played by Oscar Levant on the Kraft Music Hall broadcasts.
Al Jolson and Oscar Levant at the piano. Note the American Flag in the background, showing it was taken at the American Legion Hall.

In the article above, mention is made of a particular opening of the Kraft Music Hall, where Al Jolson addressed the audience just before the first strains of "April Showers" hit the airwaves. Click below to listen to that unique opening.

And, just to be able to listen to a bit of Jolson from one of his Palm Springs broadcasts, enjoy this, one of the Video Podcasts taken from Al Jolson's radio shows.

Here is an excerpt of the 06 Jan 1949 Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson, which was broadcast from the American Legion Hall. Larry Parks was the guest on this week's program, but this podcast is from the middle part of the show, and features Jolson, Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter, and Lou Bring. Enjoy the scripted comedy, which refers to the cast's expenses with the show broadcasting remotely from Palm Springs, and Jolson's renditions of "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad," "Don't Let It Get You Down," and "Ma Blushin' Rosie, Ma Posie Sweet."

On January 7, 2020, the announcement of a new plaque to honor those who served, and those who broadcast from the American Legion Post, including Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and, yes, Al Jolson was dedicated. Click here to read the article about the dedication.

Al Jolson's affilation with servicemen and the American Legion transcends the Palm Springs facility. These several items below are exhibited at the General Patton Memorial Museum, which is highlighted elsewhere on this website. Click the page name to view more at that museum.

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Updated 10 Nov 23