Who likes Al Jolson, what would be the best 'Greatest Hits' style album to buy of his and what do you think of his place in music (and film) generally? I know of him throgh a tape of his greatest songs which I've heard played a few times.

ah, Al Jolson, one of the best entertainers ever!
He wasn't only apopular singer, he was also a superstar from the broadway stage, radio and film. He also appeared in one of the first talking movies "The Jazz Singer" I saw that movie in high school.

Even though I don't have any albums of him, I liked his songs "swanee" and 'april showers".

I even think they made another movie about gis life, isn't It?

Yes, Al Jolson was the first great singing superstar of the 20th century. 'The Jazz Singer' from 1930 was indeed the story of his lfe, remade with Larry Parks as him I think in 1950, and again in the 80s by Neil Diamond. The original is apparently the best, though. I'd like to see thse films, and have been thinking about getting a Greatest Hits style CD to match the 30 track tape I have at home.

Stardust, don't take this the wrong way, but The Jazz Singer was the first "talkie" in 1927. Most of it was actually silent. Only the musical numbers and a few fragments of speech have audio. It should be seen by everyone at least once but it's really only average.

Jolson is more famous for his Broadway work. Most of his films really didn't compare from what I understand. I am older than most on this board, but I am not that ancient. :tongue:

yeah, well, I saw the movie, but I was still very young.