Al Jolson [Hardcover]

Larry F. Kiner (Author), Philip R. Evans (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 1984 | ISBN-10: 081082633X | ISBN-13: 978-0810826335 | Edition: First edition.

"What a life it was, and what a career...I wouldn't have dreamed that I could get lost in the pages of a bio-discography, but that's exactly what happened when I started to thumb this volume."

--from the foreword by Leonard Maltin

Who could forget Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody or The Jazz Singer? Al Jolson (1886-1950) was billed as "The World's Greatest Entertainer" and to this day is still considered the standard by which entertainers' goals are measured. He achieved the top spot in virtually every medium in which he performed: stage, film, records, and radio. This is a comprehensive study of Jolson's career and touring data, providing extensive information on each of the performances. Bibliography and indexes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...loads of great illustrations. (Reference & Research Book News )

The large-size pages are beautifully set out on a day-by-day chronological basis and form a complete definitive record. (Film Review Annual )

In what is easily the most spectacular 'ography'-monograph ever prepared on a popular entertainer, Kiner and Evans track down every surviving scrap of Jolsonia. They start by painstakingly detailing all recording sessions down to Jolie's take-ruining belches... (Jazztimes )

It's long overdue... (The Mississippi Rag )

...a formidable volume for a formidable performer...extraordinarily detailed...Recommended. (Classic Images )

About the Author

Larry F. Kiner has been doing research and compiling discographies since the early 1940s, with special emphasis on the personalities of the pre-1950 era and some of the non-jazz orchestras. Among his books are discographies on Harry Lauder and Nelson Eddy (Scarecrow).

Philip R. Evans is a renowned researcher, writer, and consultant on the music and musicians of the bygone era. Al Jolson is first in a trio series with Scarecrow Press. Following will be a bio-discography on Frank Trumbauer (co-authored with Larry Kiner) and a bio-discography on Red Nichols (co-authored with Stan & Steve Hester).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 808 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press; First edition. edition (June 28, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081082633X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810826335
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,863,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You ain't read nothing yet or Oh brother what a book, December 17, 2004

By 

Bruce D. Roadhouse (Near Toronto , Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Al Jolson (Hardcover)

I purchased this book five years ago and it seems that every time I open it I learn more the World's Greatest Entertainer. There are pictures here folks that have still not shown up on the net.
Al, it has been written was brash, bold and arrogant. This book was a bold venture for the authors and it highlights the works of Al Jolson that I am sure would have made Al himself sit back in amazment to see his life brought forward in this fashion. The look in Al's eyes shows bliss and even some humility as he has written, To Larry Sincerely Al Jolson. This is a picture from Kiner's collection but it is most appropriate for this book. Al's career has traversed the world and this book helps to acknowledge the impact which Al Jolson still holds for many who never saw this man on stage.
His eager sole has been at rest for 51 years but his words, work and music still thrill the eyes and ears.
If you collectors do not make this book a part of your collection, well then you are only half the way home.