Al Jolson Home Page|The IAJS|Audio Department|Special CDs
International Al Jolson Society, Inc.
Audio Department
Al Jolson Recordings
Special CDs

On this page, we feature unique collections of Al Jolson recordings made possible through the efforts of talented people in the IAJS. Restored to the best audio possible, they allow an opportunity to add classic Jolson performances to your collection.
Ultimate Al Jolson IAJS CD-178 | The Ultimate Jolson (2 CD set) Widely known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer," Al Jolson was a forerunner of modern popular culture. Bing Crosby once said of Jolie, "No man in my memory could generate such electricity in the theatre." Jolson's reign over Broadway continued until he left for Hollywood to star in the first feature length "talkie." This double CD set is a collector's dream, 42 tracks, many of them rare and previously unavailable out takes, alternate takes and unreleased recordings from film, radio and commercial discs, all with newly enhanced sound quality. Tracks are: [Disc 1] Let Me Sing And I'm Happy/Ma Bluchin' Rosie; Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody; The Spaniard That Blighted My Life; Where The Black-Eyed Susans Grow; Waiting For the Rober E. Lee; Oh Susannah; Who Said Dreams Don't Come True?; There's A Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder; I Pagliacci; Avalon; Cantor On The Sabbath; You Made Me Love You; I'm Sitting On Top Of The World; This Year's Crop Of Kisses; Anniversary Song; April Showers; My Mammy; Who Paid The Rent For Mrs. Rip Van Winkle?; Liza; About A Quarter To Nine; California Here I Come. [Disc 2] Toot, Toot, Tootsie; Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go With Friday On Saturday Night?; When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along; My Mother's Rosary (alt version); I Can't Give You Anything But Love; Baby Face; Bali Hai; Some Enchanted Evening; Pretty Baby; Sonny Boy; GI Medley | I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover; When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin' Along; Give My Regards To Broadway; Chinatown, My Chinatown; I'm Just Wild About Harry |; For Me And My Gal; Lazy; Back In Your Own Backyard; Chinatown, My Chinatown; Darktown Strutters Ball; At Sundown; I'm Crying Just For You; Is It True What They Say About Dixie?; It all Depends On You; Medley | April Showers; Pretty Baby; Carolina In The Morning; Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody |
"The Ultimate Al Jolson Collection" is certain to become a valued treasure for any Jolson collector!

Jolson on Kraft IAJS CD-9195 | Jolson on Kraft This new Al Jolson CD is a sequel to the delightful version of the Kraft Music Hall broadcasts created on the LP, Al Jolson with Oscar Levant at the Piano. Pioneer record producer, Milt Gabler did a brilliant job in making those early Kraft broadcasts come to life, and this disc takes a cue from his success.

The têt à têt between Al Jolson, Oscar Levant and Lou Bring provides a smooth transition from song to song and Al Jolson presents the American Songbook in a polished and stylish manner ... as only he could. We hear the Jolson voice with a subtlety and nuance that could only be captured in these live recordings. You can feel Jolie's electrifying presence in every song.


Jolson Number One Hits IAJS CD-473 | Al Jolson Nunber One Hits From his first commercially released song through the end of his run of recordings some forty years later, Al Jolson, the man known rightfully as The World's Greatest Entertainer, saw 23 of his single recordings become number one best sellers. That is more than any artist in his day, and more than any artist in our times as well. No one has ever topped Jolson. Now, through the facilities of the International Al Jolson Society, here is a CD presenting all of these songs transcribed from the original 78 rpm recordings, some over 100 years old, restored to a full, vibrant sound without the hiss and pops so often heard in recordings from that era. Enjoy top hits like "April Showers," "You Made Me Love You," and "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody," as they were first presented by this master showman. Novelty numbers, like "The Spaniard That Blighted My Life" and "I Sent My Wife To The Thousand Isles" join blockbusters "Sonny Boy" and "Swanee," along with sixteen other Jolson number one hits. And if that's not enough, two Jolson signature songs that reached the number two spot are also included: "My Mammy" and "Anniversary Song." Available only from and offered exclusively by the International Al Jolson Society. The perfect addition to a Jolson collection, and a unique gift, get yours today.

1932 1935 Radio Fragments IAJS CD-3235 | 1932 & 1935 Radio Performances This CD contains two fragments of early Jolson broadcasts. The first is from a birthday party being given for George M. Cohan, on August 22, 1932. On this existing portion of the proceedings, Al Jolson sang "Chazen auf Shabbos (Cantor on the Sabbath)," which he had performed in his Broadway show The Wonder Bar during the previous year. Also heard are Sid Lippman, and Phil Harris' orchestra. Also on this CD is an excerpt of the June 22, 1935, broadcast of the "Shell Chateau." Al Jolson is heard singing "About A Quarter To Nine," from the film Go Into Your Dance, which came out in the same year. Also on heard on this segment is Alice Faye, with a song. The audio quality of these recordings is acceptable given their age and rarity, and presents two previously unheard performaces by Al Jolson.

NBC Studio Dedication IAJS CD-351207 | NBC Studio Opening (2 CD Set) On December 7, 1935, NBC dedicated new radio studios in Los Angeles, California, to much fanfare and celebration. The all-star broadcast was slated to run from 7:30 until 10:00 p.m. -- 2½ hours. With Al Jolson as Master of Ceremonies, and other stars, including Clark Gable, May Robson, Bing Crosby, Marion Talley, Irene Rich, Gladys Swarthout, Phil Regan, Jack Benny, Edgar A. Gues, Jimmie Fidler, and many more, the program ran a few minutes past its alloted time. On two CDs, this is a recording of the entire program, with several Jolson songs, and lots of others entertaining in their fashions. The audio quality of this recording is acceptable, given its age and rarity, and is a fascinating audio snapshot of the top entertainers of the time.

Bresee Legend Named Jolson IAJS CD-560500 | Frank Bresee A Legend Named Jolson In May, 1956, radio legend Frank Bresee published an album in tribute to Al Jolson. Narrated by Bresee, this album encapsulates Al Jolson's career in text and song. It was issued in a limited edition of 100 copies, and this CD is a direct transcription of one of those original recordings. The CD cover is a duplicate of the LP cover and back notes. It is interesting that the recording was produced in association with the Jolsonairs, Don Culp and Doris Kaczynski Kontowicz.

Winchell Legend Named Jolson IAJS CD-71alnj | Walter Winchell A Legend Named Jolson In 1971, columnist Walter Winchell expressed a desire to produce his version of the 1956 tribute done by Frank Bresee. According to Bresee, the original tracks and script were still available, and he worked with Winchell to produce this new record, with Winchell adding his own "punch" to the narrative. This CD is a direct transcription of an original LP, and the CD cover is that of the original LP front and back. Along with the Bresee original, these are two of the finest tributes ever done.

Members of the International Al Jolson Society can check their latest Jolson Journal for these, and other Jolson CD and Video offerings.
Along with these CDs, members of the IAJS can take advantage of many other items in the Jolson catalog, along with receiving two jam-packed Jolson Journals yearly. If you are not a member, please click here to fill out an application, to more fully take advantage of all that the IAJS has to offer, and then place your order.

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YOU MAY ORDER DIRECTLY FROM THE AUDIO DIRECTOR BY MAIL WITHOUT THAT CHARGE IF YOU PREFER.


Order Blank
Click below to order. US/UK purchase is US$16 per CD; International orders US$21.50 per CD.
Cat No
CD Title
US / UK
International
IAJS CD-178 The Ultimate Jolson (2 CD Set)
IAJS CD-9195 Jolson on Kraft
IAJS CD-473 Jolson Number One Hits
IAJS CD-3235 1932 - 1935 Radio Performances
IAJS CD-351207 NBC Studio Opening (2 CD Set)
IAJS CD-560500 Bresee A Legend Named Jolson
IAJS CD-71alnj Winchell A Legend Named Jolson



These CDs may also be ordered by mail. Members of the IAJS are encouraged to check the Jolson Journal or Journalette for the latest items and direct member pricing information, as well as requesting a complete catalog of material available from the Audio Department. Many short titles are available, and are not listed on this website. Be sure to include a list of CDs desired, your name and address and check or money order for the full amount, made payable to the International Al Jolson Society, Inc. (not the Audio Director) and mail to:
USA Orders
UK Orders
Debbie Eifler-Evans
1910 S Rouse St
Apt 106
Pittsburg, KS
66762
Kevin Roberts
21 St. Davids Road
Old Colwyn, Clwyd
LL29 9BH
Wales

Prices by mail, with check or money order in the appropriate amount, are:
Single CDs -- US orders: US$15 each | UK orders: UK£12 each | International: US$25 each
Double CDs -- US orders: US$20 each | UK orders: UK£18 each | International: US$30 each
Send orders and appropriate payment in US$ or UK£ to the appropriate address.


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 03 Dec 24