This continues the Thursday night Kraft Music Hall series starring Al Jolson, which ran from October 2, 1947, through May 26, 1949. Tune in each week, to hear the show of the corresponding Thursday, over fifty years ago! |
Al Jolson and Peggy Lee |
Jolie started out this program with a song which he felt was appropriate to the season, "When The Red, Red Robin Starts Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along." Who are we to argue?
Jolie and Levant then took a turn evaluating Jolson's literacy and publicity. The writing of this segment is tight, and even the timing seemed to work out right. Following this, Levant takes his place at the piano to play a piece Jolson called the Grieg Concerto. Was he right? Who knows! One of you knows, so tell me!
Cheese as an economical meal for the holidays was the topic of the Kraft commercial. Next, Oscar started off with "one of the greatest hits you ever sang," "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody." Listen to this wonderful rendition of an old favorite. Next comes a look at the Winter Garden, and a show then playing at Jolson's old venue. From that show, Jolson sang a new song, "I Got Lucky In The Rain."
Talk of a new show brought the discussion to a leading lady, and introduced Miss Peggy Lee to the Music Hall. Among all of the verbal bantering, Miss Lee took us on a "Slow Boat To China."
Somehow a Kraft commercial crept in here. After that, still in the skit, enjoy Al and Peggy joining voices in "People Will Say We're In Love," and closing the segment with "The Birth Of The Blues."
After a few more words from Kraft, Al Jolson sang a sad song by Irving Berlin, "Say It Isn't So." But I'm afraid it is, the show is over!
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this week's program | ||
This is an excerpt of the 02 Dec 1948 Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson. Peggy Lee was the guest star on this program, but this segment is from the middle of the broadcast, and features Al Jolson remembering his Winter Garden days to Oscar Levant accompaniment, singing "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody," and, from the then current show at the Winter Garden, "I Got Lucky In The Rain." Even a look at the sheet music cover is included in the video images. |
Updated 01 Dec 24 |