Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|25 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.

Clifton Webb - Al Jolson - Oscar Levant
Clifton Webb - Al Jolson - Oscar Levant
From March 25, 1948, this seasonal program featured movie star Clifton Webb as the guest star. Did you ever notice how many non-singers they had on the program?

Al Jolson opened with show with a "song dedicated to me... 'Baby Face'!" After joking about clothing with Oscar Levant, including the requisite remarks about Jolie's age, Levant played Stakowski's "Old Vienna."

Ken Carpenter presented his customary Velveeta offering next. Jolson then professed a knowledge of classical music. Somehow, this turns into a rendition of "In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree." Only in the Music Hall! After throwing around a number of composers, and throwing away a variety of song fragments, Jolie puts over "In The Good Old Summertime" as only he could.

Jolson mentioned his invitation to a party at Atwater Kent's, which led to the arrival of Clifton Webb, there to teach Al some manners. Recalling that Mr. Webb was a dancer in a Jolson Winter Garden show results in a few age jokes, as well.

Following another tribute to Velveeta, Al Jolson sang Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade" in recognition of the Christian Festival of Easter. The show was closed by a remote feed from Chicago featuring the 80 member Kraft Choral Club singing "Sheep and Lambs."



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

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this week's program

    
     This is an excerpt of the 25 Mar 1948 broadcast of the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson. While Clifton Webb was the guest on this week's show, you will have to listen to the full show on the page to hear his segment. This segment is just a free wheeling segment with Jolson and Levant performing all across their comfort zones. You just have to hear it and see it with photos of the boys!


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 24 Mar 24