|His Works|Weekly Number One Songs
Throughout his recording career, which lasted from 1911 through 1950, Al Jolson amassed a record number of songs that were number 1 on the charts. Some of these remained for weeks or months at the top slot. On this page, you will find those songs that were at that position based on the Sunday date for this week. Click below the sheet music displayed to hear those memorable recordings.
On December 22, 1928, 96 years ago, the number one song in America was Al Jolson's August 20, 1928, recording of "Sonny Boy,” for the eighth week after a three week yield to its flip side.
Members of the IAJS can purchase this CD from the IAJS Audio Collection which has all the Number One Songs in Jolson's library.
IAJS CD-473 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 to its members. The perfect addition to a Jolson collection, and a unique gift, get yours today.
Unless otherwise noted, transcriptions on this page are from original 78 RPM discs in the personal collection of the webmaster.
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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 22 Dec 24