Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|16 Dec 48 Kraft Music Hall

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. On this page, I will be featuring full length radio programs for your enjoyment.

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 Dinah Shore
Al Jolson and Dinah Shore

This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, December 16, 1948. The sweet southern voice of Dinah Shore joined Al Jolson and company on the music hall this week.

Jolson opened the Music Hall with a song describing just how he felt, "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World." Then came the usual banter, which ended up with Jolson and Levant not speaking to each other.

Nevertheless, Oscar Levant then played the beautiful number, "Malagueña."

After some grand words about cheese, Jolson and Levant continued their feud; well, Jolie did, anyway. What else could Jolie sing, with this week's guest, than "Dinah"?

Refusing to join in the animosity, Dinah Shore entered the program with her usual charm. She then gave a beautiful rendition of a song Jolie did as well, "I'll Be Seeing You."

After a few jokes about Jolson's age, Jolie thought back to the old minstrel shows, and he and Dinah joined voices for a customized version of "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey."

Fresh cream cheese occupies the next commercial slot, Philadelphia Brand, of course. Levant tried to make up with Jolson, but to no avail. Jolson countered with another old song, "Down Among The Sheltering Palms." Even though Levant tried to make up after the song, it took Dinah Shore's efforts to complete the peacemaking. But Dinah was not done for the evening, yet, as she and Al joined in "Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice."

Ken Carpenter just would not let that cream cheese rest, reassuring all of us just how fresh it was. And Jolson finished the show with a song he made just as fresh, "When Day Is Done."



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

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this week's program

    
     This is an excerpt of the 16 Dec 1948 Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson. Dinah Shore joined Al Jolson on the show, and this segment features Jolson singing "Dinah," followed by Shore singing "I'll Be Seeing You," and both of them in a duet with "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey." Oscar Levant is in the mix, as well, making a great ten minute podcast. Their three lovely faces are there to see, as well!


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 15 Dec 24