Al Jolson - The Man

|The Man

Although many people view Al Jolson as little more than a blackfaced singer of long ago, he was, in reality, a complex man of many talents. In this section of the site, you can read biographical information about Al Jolson, his wives and children, and learn more about the man behind the music, and the legacy he left behind.

You Ain't Heard Nothin' Yet!: Over the years, there has been much speculation about Al Jolson's actual birthdate, his birth name, and more. Here is a section devoted to the origin and genealogy of Al Jolson, with the latest research into the origins of The World's Greatest Entertainer.

	Let Me Sing And I'm Happy: The man, Al Jolson, was a complex individual. In this section, there are essays and articles about Jolson's life, personality, and a look at his use of blackface. The song used to title this section, which Irving Berlin wrote for Al Jolson in the movie Mammy, seemed to sum up the person who was Al Jolson.
	You Made Me Love You: Contrary to the impression given by The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again, Al Jolson had four, not two, wives. Take a look at photos of each of them, and read a little bit about the four loves in Jolson's life.
	Sonny Boy: Although he had no natural children, Al Jolson was the adoptive father to three children, and one of them even carried the nickname "Sonny Boy." Here is a little bit about each of the Little Bundles from Heaven that brightened the Jolson home.
	When I Leave The World Behind: Al Jolson passed from this earth in 1950, but he is far from forgotten. Here is a review of what he, himself, left for posterity, as well as what we, his fans, have produced in his memory and image. Also included are tributes and articles which honor the memory of The World's Greatest Entertainer.
	Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go With Friday On Saturday Night?: Take a trip with us through the life of Al Jolson with quizzes on various factoids on the life of The World's Greatest Entertainer. Who knows, you might even learn something! If you can answer all the questions, you will be rewarded with a suprise at the end of the trip.
	Books on Al Jolson: Biographies about Al Jolson, book versions of Jolson movies, and books about Jolson's influence on show business have been published over the last 75 years. Have a look at some of the works that have seen print, many of which you can still acquire for your very own.

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Updated 23 May 10
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