Here's a historical diversion....
"The reality, should anyone be interested, is that Elvis, who was a HUGE fan of Al Jolson's, recorded this song as a tribute to an artist who came before him and who he greatly admired. And for those who don't know, Jolson was pretty much the Elvis of his day...he totally changed how entertainers performed (they all stood stationary at mike's & just sang) & he outsold everyone."
Thank you so much for posting my video, Jeff. I must say that I am "humbled", indeed.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about Jolson. He was certainly the "Elvis" of his day. As far as an audience (ANY audience) was concerned, Al Jolson could do no wrong and as long as he would care to sing, they would happily listen and adore him. I don't think even Elvis had the unique following that Jolson had.
I am putting together a one act dinner theater covering Jolson's last five years. This is when he recorded the two songs that I feature in the video medley. He also went overseas to entertain the troops at his own expense. While he was there he took down the names, addresses and phone numbers of their families, contacting them (at his own expense) to let them know that their soldiers were doing well.
I am now writing the second draft and again, rearranging the order of the songs. He had so many good ones and it's hard deciding which ones to use and how to best use them.
I can't take credit for the knowledge. But appreciate a diverse range of music on this blog. The Elvis / Jolson connection was surprising. Where will you be performing and will you be using the bari-uke in your act?
ReplyDeleteBlackface, Jeff? An unfortunate part of our history and Jolson should have known better.
ReplyDeleteYes, things were different then, but still...
We will be performing in my hometown of Sherman, Texas (60 miles north of Dallas) hopefully some time during the Spring. The show will serve as a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization and all the details are not yet worked out, but it will be happening.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, I will use the baritone uke. I am taking a bit of a liberty as I don't believe Jolson played the uke...and I don't think the bari had even been developed in his time, but this little instrument really sounds good when playing his songs. It does a lot to bring the sound of the era to life.
RH, there is something of a misunderstanding regarding Jolson's blackface routine. For one thing, it was only a portion of his act. The character he created was much loved and Jolson portrayed him as an intelligent being. It was never done as a "smear" towards African-American people, but quite the opposite. Jolson, just like Elvis years later, was highly influenced by their music and their style of performing. What is unfortunate, is the misunderstanding that has developed over these many years.
ReplyDeleteYou say Jolson should have known better? He knew no differently and neither did anyone else. But again, his intention was not to get a cheap laugh, but to pay tribute in the only way he knew.