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From 1936 through 1936, Al Jolson starred in a radio program sponsored by Shell Oil. Called the "Shell Chateau," a name which Jolson commonly mispronounced, making the first letter more an "S" than a "C", and the first vowel an "i," this one hour variety program featured Al Jolson and the best of the entertainment world. This program, from June 29, 1935, is the oldest existing edition of the Shell Chateau, and, for that matter, the earliest complete recording that we know of featuring Al Jolson as star of his own program. Listen to some of the forced jokes and bad writing, but listen closer to the Jolson of the 1930s, struggling with the direction of his career. |
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![]() | In many ways, the Kraft Music Hall represented the peak of the comeback of Al Jolson. Here is more information about the program, including a complete listing of guest stars, and the review from Variety of the opening program. |
With 99 programs broadcast over almost 2½ years, there are precious few transcriptions of this largest body of Jolson broadcast work. Here is a little bit about Al Jolson's Cafe Trocadero, later The Al Jolson Program, and a look at some of the material the IAJS has added to the catalog.
Check out these Podcasts, excerpted from this week's, and other recent radio programs!|
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![]() 03 Jun 48 KMH Pinza |
![]() 10 Jun 48 KMH Kirsten |
![]() 15 Jun 36 Burlesque |
![]() 06 May 48 KMH Groucho |
13 May 48 KMH Kirsten |
![]() 20 May 48 KMH Morgan |
![]() 27 May 48 KMH Kirsten |