Al Jolson - Kraft Music Hall 20 Jan 1949

|His Works|Radio|20 Jan 49 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 seventy years ago!

Victor Moore and Al Jolson

This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, January 20, 1949. With an unusual entrance, comedian Victor Moore guested on this week's broadcast. This transcription is an AFRS edited version, without reference to Kraft or commercials, and with interpolated songs. As before, if anyone has a clean copy of the original broadcast of this week's show, we'd love to hear from you.

January 20, 1949, was inauguration day for President Harry S Truman, so there had to be some political jokes edited out of the beginning of this week's show. Surviving, though, is "I'm Just Wild About Harry," with a parody second chorus. Listen carefully and enjoy the lyrics!

Following this was an interpolated song, "For Me And My Gal." With more dialog apparently missing, Oscar Levant then played his contribution to the program, "Variations on a theme by Paganini."

Next up is Jolson singing "Memories," a pretty tune done in the Jolson style. This is another interpolated song.

Back to the original program, there is some discussion about little Asa, Jr. After that, Jolie gave out with "If You Were The Only Girl In The World." Then, you heard it first in The Jazz Singer, but here is a complete rendition of "Blue Skies." And after a little more schtick, "Someone Else May Be There While I'm Gone."

Victor Moore finally makes an official appearance. The guys compare their ages, and memories. The bit ends paying homage to the date, with a political twist.

The last song was penned by Al Jolson and Benee Russell, and often dedicated to his family, "Nearest Thing To Heaven."

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 20 Jan 1949 Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson. Victor Moore 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, with some discussion about little Asa, Jr. After that, Jolie gave out with "If You Were The Only Girl In The World." Then, you heard it first in The Jazz Singer, but here is a complete rendition of "Blue Skies." And after a little more schtick, "Someone Else May Be There While I'm Gone."

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Updated 19 Jan 25