J2301

American Music

Al Jolson

Collins Cover Announcement

POPULAR SINGERS

Al Jolson

It was on May 26, 1886 that Asa Yoelson was born in Russia.

When he was seven, his family moved to the United States and settled in Washington, D.C. At age 15 he left home and, changing his name to Al Jolson, embarked on his show business career. He traveled the nation with vaudeville and minstrel shows. He discovered "Mammy" and America discovered him in 1909.

He spent 14 years on the stage appearing in various plays. His personality had a terrific impact on American audiences and he created a singing style all his own. It was emotional and used such tricks as falling to his knees and "talking" certain verses for impact. He was a sensational hit!

Al Jolson made film history in 1927 when he starred in "The Jazz Singer". It was the very first feature film that synchronized speech, music and sound effects. It was the first talking picture. Other movies in his career included "Hallelujah I'm a Bum", "The Singing Kid", and "The Rose of Washington Square".

Jolson was very patriotic. During World War I he sold liberty bonds. He toured with USO shows throughout both World War II and the Korean conflict. For these efforts, he was given by the President the Congressional Order of Merit.

Much of his popularity came from the songs he made famous.

Included are "Swanee", "California Here I Come", "Toot, Toot, Tootsie", and, of course, "Mammy". In the last he made famous for all time the line, "I'd walk a thousand miles for one of your smiles". Al Jolson brought smiles to millions during his long career and I am pleased to pay tribute to him on this COLLINS FDC Popular Singers First Day Cover. Item #J2301. $10.75.