Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|02 Apr 47 Crosby Program


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. Here is another full length radio program for your enjoyment.

Bing Crosby - John Charles Thomas - Al Jolson
Bing Crosby, John Charles Thomas
and Al Jolson
On this, Al Jolson's third appearance on Bing Crosby's Philco Program, it is obvious that Al's participation in a program had moved beyond the one or two number segment. This show, originally broadcast on April 2, 1947, featured Bing and Al joined by John Charles Thomas, in a radio recreation of an old time minstrel show.

The group overture is "A Hot Time In The Old Time Tonight." Following a Philco commercial, Bing Crosby gives his rendition of Bert Williams' signature piece, "Nobody."

With some rather bad jokes thrown about, the three stars then join in "Oh, Susanna," following which John Charles Thomas sings "G'wine To Heaven," not to be confused with Jolson's number from Wonder Bar.

Al and Bing join voices for "In The Evening By The Moonlight," Bing solos with "Beautiful Dreamer," and Al closes the set with "On The Banks Of The Wabash."

After an operatic Philco commercial by all three stars, Al Jolson gives one of his rare radio renditions of "My Mammy."

The closing number is "Alabamy Bound" performed by Crosby, Thomas, and Jolson. This is an unusual show, peppered with old corny jokes and dialect material. I hope you enjoy it in the spirit offered.

Click on the link below, and sit back to hear 30 minutes of radio, when radio was king!


Listen to this radio program and watch a Video Podcast with an excerpt of the show illustrated with photos of the stars.

Click this link to listen to
this week's program

    
     This is an excerpt of the 02 Apr 1947 Bing Crosby Program with Al Jolson and John Charles Thomas. This excerpt is the last segment of the show, which was structured as an old time minstrel show. Enjoy a rare radio rendition of Al Jolson singing "My Mammy," and Jolson, Crosby, and Thomas with "Alabamy Bound." Illustrating the video are photos, with some manipulation, and period pieces from the program.


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2026 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 05 Apr 26