Jolson: The Hollywood Legend

Jolson (The Hollywood Legends Book 7)

by Michael B. Druxman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Al Jolson was one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. His unique singing style and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure to millions of fans around the world. But behind the glittering façade, Jolson was a complex and troubled man, who struggled with personal demons throughout his life.

Jolson was born in Russia in 1886, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. He began his career as a vaudeville performer, and quickly rose to fame for his renditions of popular songs such as "Toot Toot Tootsie" and "Mammy." In 1927, he starred in the first feature-length talking picture, The Jazz Singer, which revolutionized the film industry and made Jolson a global superstar.

Jolson's career continued to flourish throughout the 1930s and 1940s, but his personal life was marred by tragedy. He was married three times, and each of his marriages ended in divorce. He also struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, which took a toll on his health and career.

In 1950, Jolson died of a heart attack at the age of 64. He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery, and his grave is a popular tourist destination today. Jolson's legacy continues to live on through his music and films, which continue to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.

Early Life and Career

Al Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in Srednik, Russia, on May 26, 1886. His parents, Naum and Rose Yoelson, were Jewish immigrants who had fled the pogroms in Russia. The family moved to the United States when Jolson was a child, and they settled in Washington, D.C.

Jolson began his career as a vaudeville performer at the age of 11. He quickly rose to fame for his renditions of popular songs such as "Toot Toot Tootsie" and "Mammy." In 1927, he starred in the first feature-length talking picture, The Jazz Singer, which revolutionized the film industry and made Jolson a global superstar.

Personal Life

Jolson was married three times. His first marriage, to Ethel Levy, ended in divorce in 1928. He then married Ruby Keeler in 1929, but they divorced in 1940. He married Erle Galbraith in 1943, and they remained married until his death in 1950.

Jolson had no children of his own, but he adopted two children, Asa Jr. and Julie. Asa Jr. died in a car accident in 1950, and Julie died of a drug overdose in 1967.

Legacy

Jolson died of a heart attack on October 23, 1950, at the age of 64. He was buried in Hollywood Cemetery, and his grave is a popular tourist destination today.

Jolson's legacy continues to live on through his music and films, which continue to entertain and inspire audiences around the world. He is considered one of the greatest singers and actors of all time, and his work has had a profound impact on American popular culture.

Jolson (The Hollywood Legends Book 7)

by Michael B. Druxman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE