Al Jolson Kraft Music Hall 21 Oct 48

|His Works|Radio|21 Oct 48 KMH with Al Jolson

Al Jolson's experience with radio began in the dawn of the medium, and continued until the birth of television, and his death. He started the Kraft Music Hall, along with programs for Lifebuoy Soap, Colgate Tooth Powder, and Chevrolet, and died while waiting to go on to Bing Crosby's Chesterfield program. Here is another full length radio program for your enjoyment.

Oscar Levant with this week's guest

This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, October 21, 1948. The guest star this week was a fellow of some renown, Rabbi Moshe Yoelson's sonny boy, Asa. That's right, the only folks on this week's show were Al Jolson and Oscar Levant, and boy, could they make the music smoke!

Jolie opened the show right up with a wonderful rendition of "For Me And My Gal."

Ken Carpenter and Al Jolson then went through the usual comments about Jolie's ego, money, and age. Oscar Levant got in on the act by citing a topical survey that managed to overlook Al. We know how Oscar Levant felt about George Gershwin, and he proved it in this week's show by playing the "Rhapsody In Blue," with full orchestral accompaniment.

It's a bit of a let-down, but after the Rhapsody, Ken Carpenter suggests hot cheese dishes for lunch. He must have thought so, too, as he issued a rare stutter or two during this commercial.

With the usual verbal fencing as introduction, enjoy Al Jolson's performance of "More Than You Know," backed by Oscar Levant's piano. After that, an exchange with Lou Bring and an equally marvelous rendition of "Quarter To Nine."

Well, next, it's rich golden Velveeta to the rescue, in the manner of Ken Carpenter, of course. With no guests this week, Al Jolson tries his hand at some impressions of favored guests on the Kraft Music Hall. You know what? You ain't heard nothin', yet!

Harking back to his stage performing days, Jolie then let the audience select his next two songs. The winners they select? How about "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" and "You Made Me Love You!" Just great versions, you dawg!

Jolson's closer for the show was "Without A Song." I've heard others' recordings of this song, and I agree with what Oscar Levant said: Nobody sang it better than Jolson. NOBODY!

Listen to this radio program and watch a Video Podcast with an excerpt of the show illustrated with photos of the stars.

Click this link to listen to this week's program
		This is an excerpt of the 21 Oct 1948 Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson. Al Jolson, himself, was the only star, guest or otherwise, on this episode of the program, and this segment, with Oscar Levant and Lou Bring's orchestra, tries to capture the feel of Jolson's Winter Garden days! Photos try to put you in the audience.

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Updated 20 Oct 24