A sick old man who had a lung removed, and would be dead in a year. Yet this is the most beautiful version I have ever heard. That's why he was the World's Greatest Entertainer
I'm 77 years old just found out I have cancer and listen to Al jolson's Anniversary song was the song we played at my wedding my husband's gone 23 years now and I'll be joining him soon but I love this song it is beautiful thank you Al rest in peace
I remember Al Jolson with such great joy and I get teary eyed every single time I listen to him sing. My Mom loved him and took me to see both movies about his life with Larry Parks back in the 1945 and 1949/50. I was ten yrs old and when I have the extreme pleasure of listening to him on TH-cam I can sing all his songs and remember ALL the words that I learned back then. Just sang a duet of April Showers with a friend at a gig. What a fun memory!!!
I first heard Al Jolson when I was 7 years old I have never forgotten him , he has always been my favourite artist. I am now 83 and still listen to his music. Garee M
I was so fortunate to have a Dad that loved Al Jolson. The warm, emotional, and rich voice of Jolson would be reward enough, but the memories his voice evokes of being with my Dad are simply priceless.
Same here Steve, about 50 years ago when I was about ten my dad said to me "you have to come and watch this film about a singer called Al Jolson" ..... did the same with a Mario Lanza (not about his life) film and film about Hank Williams life. Still love the music of all three.
Al Jolson has a rich resonance in his voice. He doesn't just sing the song, he doesn't rush the song, rather he tells a story and makes a connection with the listener. His singing is outstanding.
My dads favourite of all time he used to sing his songs to my brothers and me when we were kids in the fifties ,my dad had quite a good voice and when ever there was a party he would duly oblige my dad is no longer with us but l bet a pound to a penny he is doing duets with al Jolson in heaven
Iam a huge jolson fan,i love his voice,it started with my parents they loved him.and in 1958 i was 10 yrs old i would want to hear ,elvisand other rock n roll ,until one day my dad and mom ask me if i wanted to watch a good movie,i said yes what is it? They didnt tell me they just said watch it with us,if you dont like it we,ll change the channel, the movie was THE JOLSON STORY,IT WAS appearing on the MILLION DOLLOR movie,on channel 9 in those days,well for the next 2 hrs, my eyes where glued to the screen,mr jolson became my hero,i never heard such a voice i even loved his music it wasnt before long,i became enchanted with the man,bought his albums,from jolson sings again,a sequal to the first movie,bought books about his life,in short i eas transformed from a rock n roll fan to an al jolson fan,its a good thing that he came back to do the jolson story,because it brought him back to the public eye, in the movie larry parks played jolson but they used jolson,s voice for the soundtrack! Anyway jolson sung with all his heart and with feeling, you felt he was sing ing just to you,iam73urs old still love him,it was something me and my parents shared until thier death,i loved my parents for many reasons but one of those reasons was showing me what great talent was all about,YOU AINT HEARD NOTHIN YET,LOL
What more do you want? How much more can he give you? He is at the end of his life, his lung removed, age taking its toll, aches and pains he keeps to himself, yet when the music starts he jaunts out, his feet dancing, his body swaying and he sings his heart and soul out just for you, because Jolson, above all else, needs your love, and in return, he holds nothing back, he sings to you with complete abandonment. He literally gives us his last breath. His last words were, "I'm going, I'm going!"
The voice AND the persona - the aura. This was a man whom, during his time, you would probably never meet - but someone you instinctively, genuinely liked and wanted to personally know. He captured you, with song and presence. Many try - only a vanishingly few have it. And some 70 years after his passing - he STILL has it. In short - a singularly rare one.
Listening to Al Jolson is like having a old friend who you just can't forget. He was a special and a very Sincere singer and actor. They just don't make special people like this.
Recorded only a few months before he died. A prime example of the "modern" Jolson style, replacing his traditional full throated delivery with a more mellow, deeper, richer performance. Wonderful.
Al Jolson had what is arguably the most unique and characteristically colorful voice ever to sing a popular song. I've been a huge "fan" of Jolson since I was in my middle teenage years. He passed away many years before but when I heard his voice and his incredibly energetic and emotional way of singing, I found myself to be totally captivated.
I was three years old when Al Jolson died. It is one of my earliest memories. I think it was the first time I even had to think about the concept of someone dying. We loved his music in our house, and it made us all very sad. Thanks to TH-cam, I can watch and listen to Jolson in his prime and his late years. Next time I am in California, I am going to visit his final resting place at Hillside Cemetery in Los Angeles.
what a wonderful, brilliant communicative singer he was with a tone angels queue up to listen to & would inspire humanity, & as the great FRANK PROVASEK HIMSELF NOT REALISING HIS OWN WORTHOF HIS PLACE ON THIS EARTH, Said , Al Jolson was singing this song with only one lung & had only a year to live before he would be singing it to all in the heavens. So thank you FRANK PROVASEK FOR THAT GEM OF KNOWLEDGE, IT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED. R.
From being a very, very small boy, Jolson was my favourite singer. Still is one of them and you'd not find another singer who performs his songs as well with such "truth".
Me too. I was three years old when he died, but already liked his singing. When my mother told me he had died, I had no idea what that meant. Thank God we can hear these songs here on TH-cam.
My very word! I know Jolson because my father bombarded me with his music when I was little but I never got to hear him sing anything like this! What a beautiful baritone voice and just perfect for this song! Thank you so much for posting!
This is dedicated to the love of my life, Chris Palmer. I have never forgotten the summer of 1975, from Fort Lauderdale to Fort McClellan. I shall always love you Chris.
Paul, another truly excellent quality recording. Jolson the way he was meant to be heard. When I was a kid and bought those Decca/Mca Enhanced for stereo recordings I then didn't realize What it was really supposed to sound like until I was lucky enough to find the mono albums at garage sales and flea markets. But you remastering of these same songs elevates them to a now to an almost being there experience and I thank you! Jeff
You tube is a magic place!!! Thanks for the people, or a man or woman, that created this and allowed so many good people that upload beautifull remembers of a time when great stars and great musics enchanted the world....Unfortunally we dont have talents like those nowadays!!! We are submitted to those horrible songs and singers (wow) like Madonas, Lady Gagas, Bibers, Winehouse, rappers,MC> What time we are living!!! Sad, sad, sad......you tube is our salvation!!!!
My favourite singer was Robert Earl - I say "was" - he's still with us, in the USA now - saw Robert Earl many times - his act included a medley by his favourite singer - you've got it - Al Jolson.
He was sick and over 60. but for some reason, he sounded better than ever…God was making him shine ✨ the brightest in his last year. He was indeed, the Greatest Entertainer in the world.
What a terrific interpretation! This must have been in the final season of Kraft Music Hall on radio, which Jolson hosted; it ended in 1949, the year South Pacific opened. Jolson died the following year, his life shortened at least partly by illness incurred on trips to entertain the troops in WWII and Korea.
Yes, he died entertaining the US Armed Forces overseas. He lost part of his lung to malaria but continued to entertain servicemen during WW2 even after losing his lung. And in Korea the USO in 1950 at the onset of hostilities had no money to pay him. So as he said, "he paid himself" to go overseas to entertain the boys. He did 42 shows in 16 days, and so over--exerted himself that he died of a heart attack three weeks after returning stateside. Jolson was an amazing American patriot.
He was a great part of my early childhood. Sitting in the parlor with my parents, so emotional. Today there is no one close to singing like him. Cancel culture has degraded him for blackface, but I know he was not a racist, Spent hours in the black clubs hanging out.
My Mum loved Al Jolson, she used to say that he was the only singer that didn’t need music to sing to. His voice has this incredible melodious quality. I love the Jolson films with Larry Parks when I was a little girl. My daughter’s love them too.
God, this is huge... Jolson, the single greatest entertainer (with the exception of Louis Armstrong, of course) of the first half of the 20th century, heartily endorsing a hot new show on Broadway, "South Pacific," and singing one of its new, catchy tunes... with impeccable sensitive musicality, and impeccable vocal control... Note the last phrase, "Never let her go..." (A very special tune for me, personally, the reason for which I shall not go into, at this time.)
Pat, I have to agree. Especially this recording from the Jolson family, Kraft Music Hall tapes that Harry Cohen had recorded for Al's wife Erle. Of course, she compensated Columbia Pictures for making the transcriptions. These were the same 30ips tapes that Decca used for many of their 1960s LPs.
Incredible talent as singer and performer. Hope to see more of his shows on video or film someday. Maybe his 1927 first "talkie" should be back in the theater for special showing.
A sick old man who had a lung removed, and would be dead in a year. Yet this is the most beautiful version I have ever heard. That's why he was the World's Greatest Entertainer
YUP!
Frank Provasek and after losing his lung, he voice got a little deeper and mellow, which made it better then ever.
Nothing more need be said after you say The Worlds Greatest Entertainer...
no one asked frank
@@bot-lord4116 I did
I'm 77 years old just found out I have cancer and listen to Al jolson's Anniversary song was the song we played at my wedding my husband's gone 23 years now and I'll be joining him soon but I love this song it is beautiful thank you Al rest in peace
I remember Al Jolson with such great joy and I get teary eyed every single time I listen to him sing. My Mom loved him and took me to see both movies about his life with Larry Parks back in the 1945 and 1949/50. I was ten yrs old and when I have the extreme pleasure of listening to him on TH-cam I can sing all his songs and remember ALL the words that I learned back then. Just sang a duet of April Showers with a friend at a gig. What a fun memory!!!
Patty Duke movies
I first heard Al Jolson when I was 7 years old I have never forgotten him , he has always been my favourite artist. I am now 83 and still listen to his music. Garee
M
To me this is the best that Al ever did. Incredible.
Agree! And to think, he was in his 60s when he sang this, in the last years of his life! Wow!!
I was so fortunate to have a Dad that loved Al Jolson. The warm, emotional, and rich voice of Jolson would be reward enough, but the memories his voice evokes of being with my Dad are simply priceless.
DITTO
Same here Steve, about 50 years ago when I was about ten my dad said to me "you have to come and watch this film about a singer called Al Jolson" ..... did the same with a Mario Lanza (not about his life) film and film about Hank Williams life. Still love the music of all three.
Because of my grandmother she. liked him every time i hear his songs i think of her nice memories
Sa
@@billk9856My father did the same thing for me.
Al Jolson has a rich resonance in his voice. He doesn't just sing the song, he doesn't rush the song, rather he tells a story and makes a connection with the listener. His singing is outstanding.
My dads favourite of all time he used to sing his songs to my brothers and me when we were kids in the fifties ,my dad had quite a good voice and when ever there was a party he would duly oblige my dad is no longer with us but l bet a pound to a penny he is doing duets with al Jolson in heaven
The World's Greatest Entertainer will entertain us .. forever.
One of his most understated recordings and one of his loveliest.
SO TRUE......This recording is one of his best...!!!
Iam a huge jolson fan,i love his voice,it started with my parents they loved him.and in 1958 i was 10 yrs old i would want to hear ,elvisand other rock n roll ,until one day my dad and mom ask me if i wanted to watch a good movie,i said yes what is it? They didnt tell me they just said watch it with us,if you dont like it we,ll change the channel, the movie was THE JOLSON STORY,IT WAS appearing on the MILLION DOLLOR movie,on channel 9 in those days,well for the next 2 hrs, my eyes where glued to the screen,mr jolson became my hero,i never heard such a voice i even loved his music it wasnt before long,i became enchanted with the man,bought his albums,from jolson sings again,a sequal to the first movie,bought books about his life,in short i eas transformed from a rock n roll fan to an al jolson fan,its a good thing that he came back to do the jolson story,because it brought him back to the public eye, in the movie larry parks played jolson but they used jolson,s voice for the soundtrack! Anyway jolson sung with all his heart and with feeling, you felt he was sing ing just to you,iam73urs old still love him,it was something me and my parents shared until thier death,i loved my parents for many reasons but one of those reasons was showing me what great talent was all about,YOU AINT HEARD NOTHIN YET,LOL
What more do you want? How much more can he give you? He is at the end of his life, his lung removed, age taking its toll, aches and pains he keeps to himself, yet when the music starts he jaunts out, his feet dancing, his body swaying and he sings his heart and soul out just for you, because Jolson, above all else, needs your love, and in return, he holds nothing back, he sings to you with complete abandonment. He literally gives us his last breath. His last words were, "I'm going, I'm going!"
You described him perfectly thank you
I love you for saying that. He was a wonder. His Are you Lonesome Tonight kills me. He was a jewel. Broadway, I love the Great White Way. Keep hoofin"
So underrated. World's greatest entertainer (not Michael Jackson).
Frank Sinatra's last words were, "I'm losing."
But was performed blackface. Not his best moment was it?
The voice AND the persona - the aura. This was a man whom, during his time, you would probably never meet - but someone you instinctively, genuinely liked and wanted to personally know. He captured you, with song and presence. Many try - only a vanishingly few have it. And some 70 years after his passing - he STILL has it. In short - a singularly rare one.
His studio recording of this song is amazing but this live version is breath taking. Rip the greatest entertainer of all time.
A voice like butter
Yes, like butter and velvet and satin. Really rich.
No one will ever take the place of Al Jolson. His songs give me the odd tear, but a lot of joy also.
That was sheer magic, I never tire of his voice.
There was a reason several generations loved to hear Al sing, he was wonderful!!!
And it still goes!
A voice made of velvet and glowing embers , what a beautiful rendition : Yes he was indeed perfection .
Listening to Al Jolson is like having a old friend who you just can't forget. He was a special and a very Sincere singer and actor. They just don't make special people like this.
Recorded only a few months before he died.
A prime example of the "modern" Jolson style, replacing his traditional full throated delivery with a more mellow, deeper, richer performance.
Wonderful.
he could sing the telephone book and it would be wonderful. RIP Mr. Jolson
Al Jolson had what is arguably the most unique and characteristically colorful voice ever to sing a popular song. I've been a huge "fan" of Jolson since I was in my middle teenage years. He passed away many years before but when I heard his voice and his incredibly energetic and emotional way of singing, I found myself to be totally captivated.
Music is truly a time machine. I found him as a teenager too.
The depth of jolsons voice is astounding!!!
Way before my time but boy o boy, what a treat!!!!
I was three years old when Al Jolson died. It is one of my earliest memories. I think it was the first time I even had to think about the concept of someone dying. We loved his music in our house, and it made us all very sad. Thanks to TH-cam, I can watch and listen to Jolson in his prime and his late years. Next time I am in California, I am going to visit his final resting place at Hillside Cemetery in Los Angeles.
He still lives on!
what a wonderful, brilliant communicative singer he was with a tone angels queue up to listen to & would inspire humanity, & as the great FRANK PROVASEK HIMSELF NOT REALISING HIS OWN WORTHOF HIS PLACE ON THIS EARTH, Said , Al Jolson was singing this song with only one lung & had only a year to live before he would be singing it to all in the heavens.
So thank you FRANK PROVASEK FOR THAT GEM OF KNOWLEDGE, IT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED. R.
My favorite singer of all time, grew up listening to he and Phil Harris!
What a beautiful voice
What a beautiful voice he had , so warm and moving !
I always liked his voice, a nice bass baritone. Full of warmth.
I never knew AL recorded this great song.
AL DID A SUPERB JOB SINGING THIS CLASSIC..
A+ ALL THE WAY AL !!!!
I didn't either fan since i was little girl will be 70 in april
This song is as lovely as he is. That's saying a lot for the song.
A great song from a wonderful musical. Nobody sings them like Jolson.
Wasn't he just the best ever.
Al Jolson,what a great entertainer, for the young ones, he was the first person to speak on talking pictures RIP Al
And the first TV show and the first radio show.
I hope my husband is listening in heaven
Of course, Jolson hits it outta the park!!
nice to hear him sing something mainstream - and sing it beautifully
Fabulous, spine tingling, Some enchanted vocalising . Thanks Gropius Martin
Sheer magic. This was Jolson's best recording - to my taste anyway. And this was at the very end of his life. Pity about the montaged applause.....
A voice of whiskey and oak trees. Don't get that quality as much any more. just stunning.
I learned much from his singing.
Before you even heard him sing, his speaking voice alone captured your attention.
From being a very, very small boy, Jolson was my favourite singer. Still is one of them and you'd not find another singer who performs his songs as well with such "truth".
Me too. I was three years old when he died, but already liked his singing. When my mother told me he had died, I had no idea what that meant. Thank God we can hear these songs here on TH-cam.
Truth, or authentic! Exactly! He believed everything he did, and he makes the listener feel the same!
Perfect quote Truth. Genuine, real. authentic!! All describe JOLSON!
simply amazing!!! such a rich depth in his voice, unbelievable talent, the worlds greatest entertainer, RIP Al
And at this stage in his life he only had one lung.
I love how Al Jolson can take any song and make it glorious.
FABULOUS.....wonderful to hear Al. After all these years . He was a superb entertainer !!!
Loved this singer my nan adored him she had many of his records xx
Sung with great feeling and tenderness. You can't just belt it out.
If only humanity was given the chance to know that. All the protecting contemporary profit forces SHOUT OUT IS A BELTER!!
That's Al Jolson ❤ The Best ❤
I couldn't have put it better myself...Love this
My very word! I know Jolson because my father bombarded me with his music when I was little but I never got to hear him sing anything like this! What a beautiful baritone voice and just perfect for this song! Thank you so much for posting!
great!!! i have never heard this
The greatest entertainer.
Gives me chills hearing him sing this amazing song... The Best Ever!!!
This is dedicated to the love of my life, Chris Palmer. I have never forgotten the summer of 1975, from Fort Lauderdale to Fort McClellan. I shall always love you Chris.
Regarded a great entertainer in his day, I like the richness in his voice in his later years
Wow..what beautiful rich resonance that man could produce. amazing
Such a rich deep lovely voice.only one Asa.
The greatest entertainer over 81 years -dominated
Brilliant. Why can't we have class like this nowadays?
Literal goosebumps. What a gorgeous performance!
his voice is unforgettable.....love his talent..
A beautiful song sung with meaning by Al Jolson.
Paul, another truly excellent quality recording. Jolson the way he was meant to be heard.
When I was a kid and bought those Decca/Mca Enhanced for stereo recordings I then didn't realize
What it was really supposed to sound like until I was lucky enough to find the mono albums at garage sales and flea markets. But you remastering of these same songs elevates them to a now to an almost being there experience and I thank you! Jeff
al jalson one of the best
You tube is a magic place!!! Thanks for the people, or a man or woman, that created this and allowed so many good people that upload beautifull remembers of a time when great stars and great musics enchanted the world....Unfortunally we dont have talents like those nowadays!!! We are submitted to those horrible songs and singers (wow) like Madonas, Lady Gagas, Bibers, Winehouse, rappers,MC> What time we are living!!! Sad, sad, sad......you tube is our salvation!!!!
hauntingly beautiful
"hauntingly beautiful" - can't beat that description - so right.
My favourite singer was Robert Earl - I say "was" - he's still with us, in the USA now - saw Robert Earl many times - his act included a medley by his favourite singer - you've got it - Al Jolson.
Thank you for posting this superb share. Al was one of the best entertainers ever and after all these many years it's pure magic to listen to him.
I grew with his music in the 1960 s my father favorite then he became mine
Wow. Have just come across this on YT. What a wonderful voice.
He was sick and over 60. but for some reason, he sounded better than ever…God was making him shine ✨ the brightest in his last year. He was indeed, the Greatest Entertainer in the world.
Superb - what a great voice he had.
It's Mary Martin, for god's sake.
Did Not RELISE How GREAT
Al WAS BRILLANT RIP
I have been listing to him for years fantastic he's the best
I Love This Beautiful Song AND SINGER
Still the greatest.
He was my Father's Idol,we were brought up on Al Jolson s music,we loved it,all 5 of us, we took it into our future lives.
What a terrific interpretation! This must have been in the final season of Kraft Music Hall on radio, which Jolson hosted; it ended in 1949, the year South Pacific opened. Jolson died the following year, his life shortened at least partly by illness incurred on trips to entertain the troops in WWII and Korea.
Yes, he died entertaining the US Armed Forces overseas. He lost part of his lung to malaria but continued to entertain servicemen during WW2 even after losing his lung. And in Korea the USO in 1950 at the onset of hostilities had no money to pay him. So as he said, "he paid himself" to go overseas to entertain the boys. He did 42 shows in 16 days, and so over--exerted himself that he died of a heart attack three weeks after returning stateside. Jolson was an amazing American patriot.
Dov BarLeib bravo well said
A Mensch, on artistic and humanitarian levels.
@@dovbarleib3256 He by far out~ Bob Hoped Bob Hope.
still love listening to this type music,
I loved this mans voice and music, this is how I met my husband.
Will never be forgotten al Jolson the
My God, that man could sing.
It's a great interpretation of a great song from, perhaps, Broadway's greatest play. I'm glad he lived long enough to see this on Broadway.
never been a lover of Jolson ...but this is pure perfection .I adore this interpretation
Love these old songs
Jolie, just brilliant.
He was a great part of my early childhood. Sitting in the parlor with my parents, so emotional. Today there is no one close to singing like him. Cancel culture has degraded him for blackface, but I know he was not a racist, Spent hours in the black clubs hanging out.
My Mum loved Al Jolson, she used to say that he was the only singer that didn’t need music to sing to. His voice has this incredible melodious quality. I love the Jolson films with Larry Parks when I was a little girl. My daughter’s love them too.
That's when this country was Great 👍
Beautiful lyrics!!
love this song and singer
God, this is huge...
Jolson, the single greatest entertainer (with the exception of Louis
Armstrong, of course) of the first half of the 20th century, heartily
endorsing a hot new show on Broadway, "South Pacific," and singing one
of its new, catchy tunes... with impeccable sensitive musicality, and
impeccable vocal control...
Note the last phrase, "Never let her go..."
(A very special tune for me, personally, the reason for which I shall
not go into, at this time.)
who knew?
Exception of Louis Armstrong??? Both are dwarfed by Sammy Davis, Jr. the REAL Best Entertainer of All Time!
Pat, I have to agree. Especially this recording from the Jolson family, Kraft Music Hall tapes that Harry Cohen had recorded for Al's wife Erle. Of course, she compensated Columbia Pictures for making the transcriptions. These were the same 30ips tapes that Decca used for many of their 1960s LPs.
Sammy Davis Jr? I don't think so. Maybe Frank Sinatra.
He was the greatest popular singer along with Frank Sinatra. What a voice. He died the year after I was born, but I discovered him in the 90s.
Incredible talent as singer and performer. Hope to see more of his shows on video or film someday. Maybe his 1927 first "talkie" should be back in the theater for special showing.
Had he been a 1950s singer, he would have been a bigger star than he was.
doubtful. Al Jolson was huge after WW1. He roared with the Roaring 20s. Maybe it is hard to measure how huge without a Top 40s chart though.
He was about the biggest singer in the world in his day.
@@billk9856 Yes, imagine him now with all the promotional avenues available!
he made weep people of all religions and races nobody knows exactly just why
Such a wonderful voice, I'll see you again and we'll sing together.
Beautiful
Jolie, Sinatra, Presley, the holy trinity of entertainment
Don’t forget Charlie Patton! ❤
World Class
His voice was rich, warm, and resonating. We were blessed to have him.
Effortless.... Jolson and Sinatra ... Are gifted this way 🎶👍
Jolson and Sinatra, we have never heard their like.
Lovely song