Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|11 Mar 48 Kraft Music Hall

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. On this page, I will be featuring full length radio programs for your enjoyment.

Edward Everett Horton and Al Jolson
Edward Everett Horton and Al Jolson
The Kraft Music Hall returned to its Hollywood studios after two weeks at the American Legion Auditorium in Palm Springs, California. This program was originally broadcast on Thursday, March 11, 1948, with guest star Edward Everett Horton.

Al Jolson opened the progam with "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover." Quite a bit of discussion in the opening segment revolved around how good everyone felt after the sojourn in Palm Springs. Oscar Levant then played Khatchaturian's "Lullabye."

After some Velveeta words from Kraft, Al admires Levant's playing, and Al sings a few vintage songs, "Every Little Movement" and "Cuddle Up A Little Closer." Oscar sings a bit, too, which Jolie kind of comments upon. The song given the full treatment in this section is the wonderful "Liza," known to many of us from The Jolson Story.

Everett Everett Horton was supposedly Jolson's neighbor so, after joining the show, proceeded to talk about decorating Jolson's house. He then performed a novelty number of his own, "How Does A Hen Know The Size Of The Egg Cup?"

After another Velveeta commercial, Al Jolson made a pitch for the Red Cross, remembering the wounded veterans in hospitals. For those veterans, he sang a favorite of that audience, "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows."

Once again, timing the show was a problem. Listen to the network cut off the final commercial!


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 11 Mar 1948 broadcast of the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson. While Edward Everett Horton was the guest on this week's show, you will have to listen to the full show on the page to hear his segment, which includes one of his unique comedy ditties; this excerpt is plucked from the middle of the show, and features Jolson and Levant singing some very old songs, in their very typical way. Assorted photos try to capture the spirit of the broadcast.


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 © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 10 Mar 24