The Horrifying True Story and Tragic Ending of Al Jolson: The World’s Greatest Entertainer

once hailed as the world's greatest entertainer during the Pinnacle of his career Al josin reign as the preeminent popular singer throughout the initial three decades of the 20th century he thrived in an era that predates the Advent of radio and sound film mediums that somewhat diminished his widespread appeal driven by an insatiable Craven for public Acclaim Jolson emerged as one of the quintessential American success stories although his influence remains palpable even today born in the Russian village of cerezius on May 26 1886 Al Jolson entered the world as Asa yolson growing up in a devout Jewish Family led by mosh yolson mccantor responsible for leading prayers in a synagogue ASA the youngest of four siblings was destined for a similar path both Assa and his brother underwent rigorous training even resorting to holding matchsticks in their mouths to encourage themselves to sing with Amplified passion and clarity however the Winds of Change blew when mosh yosem naoi Rabbi made the audacious decision to seek a better life for his family by venturing to America escaping the clutches of Oppression that plagued Imperial Russia he embarked on a journey to Washington District of Columbia in 1894 assuming the role of congregation rabbi determined to offer his loved ones improved prospects mosh sends for his wife and children and thus began the family's transformative Odyssey into a new existence in the year 1895 tragedy struck the yolson family when Assam a young boy of eight experienced a sudden and devastating loss of his beloved mother awesome had held a special place in his mother's heart and having been solely raised by her for the past four years he found himself withdrawn and deeply affected by the traumatic sight of her passing the world he had known crumbled before his eyes leaving an indelible mark on his future despite moshe's attempts to instill traditional Jewish values in his children his efforts fell largely short particularly when he came to ASA and his older brother Hirsch engaged as Newsboys the brothers found themselves immersed in the streets and establishments of questionable reputes it was Within These Urban Landscapes that they encountered the vibrant sounds of Ragtime music echoing through the air emanating from the streets and saloons of Washington they grew acquainted with the musicians and the Allure of this new life intrigues them leading them to embrace the culture and Defiance of their father's pleas also shed his old name become an owl while Hirsch adopted the name Harry the brothers embarked on a series of escapades repeatedly running away from home and Al even found himself briefly residing in an orphanage having already received the musical training the brothers eagerly absorbed The Ragtime Melodies that surrounded them they swiftly mastered the music and styles of various immigrants communities residing in the city expanding their artistic repertoire Al determines to break into the world of Show Business eagerly pursued any available opportunity after heading to New York City he sang in a traveling circus continuing their artistic Journey Al Joseph and his brother Harry ventured into the Realms of burlesque in Vaudeville together they formed a comedy act that prompted them to alter their surname to Jolson in an attempt to shed their perceived ethnic Jewish identity later they settled on the name Jolson although the Jolson Brothers achieved modest success with their act Al Harvard's self-consciousness regarding his performance often reliant on crude humor little did he know that a solution to his insecurities would soon pave the way for the eighteen-year-old josephson's meteoric rise to fame in 1904 the joseon brothers joined forces with comedian Joe Palmer on the Vaudeville circuit it was during a performance at keaney's theater in Brooklyn that year when Al Jolson began Dawning blackface a transformative choice that granted him Newfound artistic freedom behind the mask of blackface joseon found solace and regains the confidence he had lost since his mother's passing jolson's blackface routine captivated audiences instantly propelling him to secure bookings at some of the most prestigious Vaudeville venues Across the Nation meanwhile Harry solved his path hoping to attain solo success unfortunately Fame remained elusive for him Forever overshadowed by the Specter of being Al josin's brother in the year 1906 Al josin began promoting himself as a singing comedian incorporating vocal skills and a lively whistling routine reminiscent of an exuberant bird call into every performance he gained recognition for his expressive facial expressions accentuated by outlining his lips in white Jolson yearns to showcase the music he grew up with such as Jazz Ragtime and Blues however the prevailing Minstrel shows of that era focused on the music of the American Civil War limiting his artistic fulfillment dissatisfied with this constraint he made the Bold decision to part ways with Minstrel shows and embark on a solo career interestingly despite the widespread belief that rock and roll icon Elvis Presley pioneered below the waist movements and performances it is Al Jolson who deserves this distinction while such provocative moves would have placed African-American entertainers in Jeopardy and labeled white performers as scandalous Jolson not only dared to incorporate them but also Rose to fame precisely because of his daring approach after a stint in California during the early years of his solo Journey joseon returns to New York in 1911 to take center stage in La Belle Paris a Vaudeville review that solidified his position as the most prominent Broadway star during his time in California Josephine met Henrietta Keller a young dancer who became his wife despite henrietta's desire for Joseph to take a break and start a family his Relentless Drive propelled them to headline several more musical reviews many of which were produced by the influential Schubert Brothers recognizing the immense talents that Al josin possessed the astutes Schubert Brothers seized the opportunity to collaborate with them responding to jolson's request they constructed a remarkable Runway extending into the heart of the Winter Garden Auditorium a renowned theater of that era Jolson utilized this unique platform to Mesmerize the audience with his singing and dancing a groundbreaking spectacle never witnessed before the electrifying response from the crowd often resulted in his allotted 15 minutes stretching well beyond 40 minutes or more in 1929 Jolson entered his third marriage with Ruby Keeler a spirited young woman more than half his age unlike his previous wives Ruby A Chorus Girl Helen from the streets of New York refused to silently endure jolson's abusive Behavior their tumultuous relationship attracted widespread attention through Relentless coverage in the gossip columns despite the challenges Ruby remained Mrs Al Joseph while she even pursued her career the couple even welcomed and adopted son into their lives renaming him Al Jolson Jr As Time passed and Ruby devoted herself to Motherhood she grew less willing to tolerate her husband's mistreatment eventually she divorced him in 1939 and their adopted son found a new home with Ruby's subsequent husband joseon undeterred by the diminishing influence he experienced in Hollywood decided to make a triumphant return to Broadway unfortunately his time in coincided with the onset of the Great Depression which greatly constrained people's discretionary spending on entertainment empty seats became a disheartening sight and Jolson succumbs to bouts of depression frequently missing performances in 1932 Al josin ventured into the realm of radio albeit with little satisfaction leading him to abruptly quits within a mere four months despite subsequent unsuccessful attempts in Hollywood Jolson experienced a change of heart and returned to radio in 1936 this time with his series four years later he made a triumphant comeback to Broadway with the production of hold on to your hats finally garnering the long-awaited recognition that had eluded him for years unfortunately his health began to deteriorate shortly after his most recent divorce prompting him to make the difficult decision to close the show despite its impressive ticket sales during World War II joseon wholeheartedly dedicated himself to performing for American troops although he continued making radio appearances his primary focus shifted towards entertaining and uplifting the spirits of the Brave servicemen however everything changed when he crossed paths with Earl Galbraith in 1944. Galbraith a 21 year old x-ray technician stationed at a military camp in Georgia caught Joseph's attention during his tour impressed by her beauty and distinctive Kentucky draw he promptly offered her a screen test their connection deepened leading to their marriage in 1945. unlike jolson's previous marriages this Union unfolded differently from the start Galbraith possessed a resilience that allowed her to walk away from Joseph whenever his temper and demeanor became unbearable in turn Jolson developed a newfound respect for her a quality that had been lacking in his previous marital relationships filled with a newfound zest for Life Joseph and his wife embarked on The Journey of adoption welcoming two infants into their family ASA Jr and Alicia ASA Jr grew up to lead a productive and fulfilling life while Alicia who faced a mental impairment was placed in an institution a common practice during that era unfortunately little information is available about Alicia and her life on the fateful day of October 23 1950 as joseon prepared for an appearance on being Crosby's esteemed radio show the unexpectedly experienced indigestion while engaged in a Friendly Card Game with friends in his hotel room concern grew when the discomfort appeared to escalate prompting the arrival of doctors it was during this critical moment that Jolson reaching out to check his pulse softly whispered oh I'm going within moments he peacefully passed away as a tribute to his immeasurable impact Broadway dimmed its lights for a poignant 10 minutes that day Jolson found his final resting place in Culver City California where he was laid to rest goodbye and rest in peace Al Jolson

Channel: Classic Hollywood Legend

Views: 85,590

Keywords: actor, actors, actress, actresses, hollywood actors, hollywood actresses, Classic Hollywood Legend, Legendary Old Hollywood Actors, Hollywood Legend, Classic Hollywood, Old Hollywood Stars, Hollywood Stars, Hollywood's Golden Age, Greatest Actors, Classic Actors

Id: eNouJXl0nNA

Length: 11min 54sec (714 seconds)

Published: Fri Jun 02 2023