Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|17 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.

Joan Davis and Al Jolson
Joan Davis & Al Jolson
This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, February 17, 1949, with guest star, comedianne Joan Davis. 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.

With an edited beginning that sounds like a political joke was expunged, Jolson leads with an old song that George Washington never heard, "Hello, My Baby."

After the song, Ken Carpenter helps to explore Al Jolson's hobbies and interests. It's a punny session, with a tip to Ken Carpenter's versitility. The segment concludes with "I Only Have Eyes For You."

Oscar Levant was up next, with a story of his secret dreams and stories. But for us, he performed the 2nd Gershwin Prelude, one of his favorites, and one of mine, too.

Thinking back to his lack of a Fairy Godmother, Joan Davis makes her entrance as little Asa's personal guardian. Of course, the jokes in this section revolve around Jolson's age, voice, fondness for women, and personality. Even a few jokes about Larry Parks and Rita Hayworth creep into this segment!

I Wonder What's Become Of Sally

Interpolated from the October 28, 1948, show is "I'll Be Seeing You." That show, which featured Dorothy Kirsten in a similar sequence, also included "Hello, My Baby." This song was the close from that show.

Back to the show at hand, we get to hear Al Jolson sing a song many of us first heard Rudy Wistler singing, while Scotty Beckett mimed, "On The Banks Of The Wabash, Far Away." Then, with a tip to the little children in the audience, Jolson sang "Mighty Lak A Rose."

Al Jolson concluded the evening's program with a song he attibuted to Paul Dresser, who wrote "Wabash," but it was written by Jack Yellen and Milton Ager, "I Wonder What's Become Of Sally."


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 is an excerpt of the 17 Feb 1949 Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson with Oscar Levant and guest star Joan Davis. During this segment, Al and Joan do a comedy routine, and Jolson finishes with a song. Composite and original photos help give a feel for the broadcast.


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2025 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 16 Feb 25