Al Jolson - Friends

|Friends

If Al Jolson was "The King," as Eddie Cantor called him, then he was surrounded by more than just subjects. He was the center of a group of entertainers such as the world has never known before or since. Here are some pages and links devoted to some of those individuals. You can also investigate other Jolson Related Pages on the World Wide Web.

Sybil Jason is known to Jolson fans as the seven year old wonder who stole the screen from Al Jolson in The Singing Kid. But she was much more than that, as a look at her history will show. Of course, you can also catch a glimpse of the magic between Sybil and Al on this page devoted to Sybil Jason, Warner Brothers' First Child Star.

When Tony Babino performed at the 1985 Jolson Centennial in New York, Irving Caesar, lyricist for Gershwin's "Swanee," screamed, "You're Great!" And great he is, as Jolson fans who have seen him perform know. You can see Tony's page on the Memorializer section, or click to see his personal website, detailing all of his talents.

There's no question about it, Richard Halpern brings down the house when he performs at Jolson events; but there's much more to this versatile entertainer. Check out Richard's site, where he shows his Jolson side, and another, quite different, aspect to his performing style. Click to see Richard Halpern's website.

He carries the Kingship of the Nostalgia world, with his domain the radio and television airwaves for over a half century. Joe Franklin is more than a New York personality, he is known the world over. In May, 2002, he sat down with IAJS member Brian Decker, for this entertaining session.

Remember the little boy that Jolson invited up on his knee -- Davey Lee? Well, after a short but illustrious film career, Davey got out of show business. He is ailing now, having had a stroke, and we encourage you to drop him a note to cheer him up. You can also check out the website he posted when he was in better health, devoted to his relationship with Al Jolson.

It was his face putting out Al Jolson's voice that converted many of us to Jolson fans for life. But Jolson's film biographies were not the only movies Larry Parks made. Here is a website devoted to the star of The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again, with lots about Larry, his wife Betty Garrett, and his body of work.

Check out my page on Al Jolson's lifelong friend, Eddie Cantor. Along with a little biographical information, you can find some Real Audio files in which Eddie Cantor tells his side of some famous Jolson stories. There's even a link to the Eddie Cantor fan club and a special offer for Eddie Cantor/Al Jolson CDs!

The man who brought Al Jolson to the stage has a website of his own. Click on over to Mike Burstyn's site, to get a glimpse of the man behind the character. This multifaceted entertainer brought a personal tradition and heritage to his portrayal of The World's Greatest Entertainer, along with superb theatrical skills.

What do "Home In Pasadena," "Mammy, I'll Sing About You," "Goin' To Heaven On A Mule," and "Go Into Your Dance," among others, have in common? Of course, they were all introduced and popularized by Al Jolson; but they were written by Harry Warren, whose career helped define the musical form. Check out this tribute page to Mr. Warren, which includes MIDI files and lyrics of a library full of wonderful songs.

And there is even another Harry Warren Tribute page to check out, with more information about this talented individual!

In 1978, Playboy magazine featured an interview with George Burns, a legend in his own right, and friend of Al Jolson and others of the era. In this interview, Burns tells some of the more candid items about the World's Greatest Entertainer, and assorted inhabitants of the early stage. Sit back and read this very enjoyable piece of show business wisdom and wit!

Here's a little story about Al Jolson and another music great, Eubie Blake, that serves to illuminate a dark corner of the Jolson story. Check out this tale of Al and Eubie.

Michael Druxman wrote an interesting one man play devoted to Al Jolson.
Click and have a look at his site.

Check out these other
Links of Interest to Jolson Fans

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