Knowra Al Jolson Al Jolson Al Jolson (1886–1950) was an American singer, comedian, and actor whose theatrical performances and starring role in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer made him a major entertainer.
The Jazz Singer : A 1927 American musical drama starring Al Jolson, widely recognized as the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue sequences. Jolson’s performance as Jakie Rabinowitz made this film his most enduring screen role.
Vitaphone : A sound-on-disc system used by Warner Bros. to synchronize recorded music and dialogue with motion pictures. Vitaphone enabled The Jazz Singer ’s synchronized performance sequences.
George Gershwin : An American composer and pianist whose works joined popular song with classical and theatrical forms. Gershwin wrote “Swanee,” which Jolson helped make a hit.
Vaudeville : A form of variety entertainment featuring separate acts such as songs, comedy, dance, and specialty performances. Jolson developed his act in the variety-show circuit before achieving Broadway and film fame.
Mammy (song) : A 1918 song by Walter Donaldson and Joe Young that became one of Al Jolson’s signature numbers. Jolson’s performances of this song crystallized his sentimental stage persona.
Sound film : Motion pictures that include synchronized recorded sound, especially dialogue, music, or effects. The film’s success accelerated Hollywood’s transition from silent pictures to sound.
Irving Caesar : An American lyricist and librettist known for songs including “Swanee” and “Tea for Two.” Caesar co-wrote “Swanee,” one of Jolson’s signature songs.
Broadway theatre : Professional theatrical productions presented in New York City’s Broadway district and nearby venues. Jolson became a Broadway star through musical comedy roles and featured songs.
Swanee : A 1919 song by George Gershwin and Irving Caesar, popularized by Al Jolson. Jolson’s hit recordings helped establish the song as a standard.
Blackface : Theatrical makeup and performance practices in which non-Black performers caricatured Black people, often reinforcing racist stereotypes. Jolson’s blackface performances made this racist tradition prominent in early popular film.
Show all 20