Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|10 Feb 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.

Peggy Lee and Al Jolson
Peggy Lee & Al Jolson
This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, February 10, 1949, Peggy Lee making her second appearance on the Kraft Music Hall. It starts, though, with an unusual tip of the hat to Bing Crosby. Not only that, but be sure to pay attention to the singing of the theme song, "April Showers," done a little differently this week!

After the theme song controversary, Jolson gets another dig in on a friend, George Jessel. He does it with a joke and a song, "Oh, You Beautiful Doll."

After a commercial, Jolson and Levant look at the history of broadcasting, in a nutshell. With Station ASA, the program's format, already having been battered by an altered opening and early commercial, sees Peggy Lee with an early entrance, singing "Then I'll Be Happy."

After some clowning and bogus messages, Oscar Levant finally gets his turn going solo with the piano, with the beautiful Chopin Polonaise.

Ken Carpenter has even more fun with sham sponsors, and then The Schmeckenbergers, starring Al and Peggy, a soap opera like none you've heard before.

Jolly Jolie, the disk jockey, next takes to the air, complete with inside jokes. But you can sit back and enjoy "Back In Your Own Backyard."

Next, Al Jolson and Peggy Lee joining voices in two numbers, George M. Cohan's "So Long Mary," and George Gershwin's "Summertime."

Station ASA finally signed off, returning to the Kraft Music Hall, NBC, and Ken Carpenter, back to reality. Al Jolson's closing number was the beautiful love song, "Marquita." After the number, enjoy a classic, politically incorrect, message from Kraft.


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 10 Feb 1949 Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson, with guest star Peggy Lee. During this segment, Al and Peggy join voices to make some beautiful music.


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2025 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 09 Feb 25