Al Jolson in Japan - 16 Sep 1950 - video podcast

Posted by the International Al Jolson Society, www.jolson.org, this is an excerpt of the 16 Sep 1950 Al Jolson performance at the Itazuke Air Force Base in Japan. This excerpt includes three songs from the half-hour transcription, which includes Jolson joking and singing for his favorite audience, soldiers at the front, and photographs of Al Jolson on that final tour. "Swanee," "April Showers," and "The Anniversary Song" are the three songs heard here, there is quite a bit more in the original program. This is likely the last transcribed performance of Al Jolson; he died about one month after this show. The complete broadcast, along with other Jolson radio shows, is available at the Official Al Jolson Website at www.jolson.org, from its posting in October through the end of November.

[@rrss5497]

And he did this with one lung. What a talent!

[@MarcLeavey]

Yup, Jolson lives on through those that remember his legacy. Thanks.

[@thomasritter3159]

I sing his music now to strengthen my lungs. One lung may soon need removal due to extreme damage that was done from years of smoking and exposure to toxic fumes. I've always enjoyed singing. Now I sing to save my good lung. No better music than Mr. Jolsons to do the job.

[@thomasritter3159]

Hands down the greatest entertainer ever!! Wish I could have been born earlier just to have had the chance to see him in person. What a showman.

[@MarcLeavey]

We all feel much the same way, Thomas. Check out more on Mr. Jolson at the website of the International Al Jolson Society, www.jolson.org - and perhaps join us!

[@Ronald60202]

Such an immensely talented man. With such a complicated legacy.

[@walterwheeler5465]

The listener should keep in mind that Al Jolson went at his own expense to entertain the troops stationed in Japan, just short of three months after the invasion of South Korea. He also did not have a radio show in which his performances would later be broadcast. He was there where the servicemen were because that was where he was needed.

[@jazzpianoman01]

The last month before he passed away

[@jazzpianoman01]

The true greatest entertainer of them all

[@nicholsonderek]

he still beats the modern ones

[@MarcLeavey]

Thanks. We think so too!

[@jazzpianoman01]

Jolson still the greatest entertainer of them all

[@davidbull5757]

To think that glorious voice was silenced forever so soon afterwards...
.

[@MarcLeavey]

And, from the recordings that we have, it was great up until the end.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Yep Jolson passed away October 23rd 1950 and this trip contributed to his death against doctors orders!

[@davidtodora6173]

Thanks so much Marc! I heard Mr Jolson passed away from Malaria. I wonder if he caught it in Asian Japan ? Thank You 🙏

[@MarcLeavey]

David, glad you enjoyed. No, while Al Jolson did contract malaria during World War II, his death following Korea was due to a heart attack. You can read more about it at bit.ly/DeathOfJolson - I hope you have subscribed to this channel, and do visit the website at www.jolson.org for more about the life and career of Al Jolson.

[@MarcLeavey]

@Joel Cohn By far, the most authoritative biography of Al Jolson is "Jolson: The Legend Comes To Life," by Herbert G. Goldman. You can see a link to that book, along with others, on the website at bit.ly/Jolson_Biblio Thanks for your question, and please do subscribe to this channel if you've not already, and enjoy more of the material from the International Al Jolson Society, Inc.

[@bullbearjeff]

only 64 when he died. way too soon. his 2nd career was just getting going...