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 programs, in Real Audio format, 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 week's program
in Real Audio format

Real Audio Link Page
Use this link to get
the Real Audio Player

If you came here from a link or search engine
Click here to return to the main page of this site


This listing and material Copyright © 2008 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 27 Apr 08