When Jolson Was King

by Richard Grudens

Here is the quintessential Al Jolson tribute from the pen of author/music historian Richard Grudens, documenting the story of Al Jolson's colorful rise to fame in the first half of the 20th century while earning the title of The Worlds' Greatest Entertainer. This wonderful career is told in stories and photos ( over 200) from the immortals of show business that include Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Frankie Laine, Kathryn Crosby, Patty Andrews, Connie Haines, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Lee and Jake Shubert, Eddie Cantor, George Jessel, Joe Franklin, Sybil Jason, Beverly Roberts, Richard Rodgers, Milton Berle, George Burns, George Gershwin, Walter Winchell, Davey Lee, Rudy Wissler, Irving Berlin, Tony Babino and others who interpolated Jolson's life before, during and after.

312 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2006

Reviews

[Valerie Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you back to an exciting time in musical history. The amazing Al Jolson and his innovative entertainment style and long list of historical firsts in entertainment. He truly was the world's greatest entertainer. After reading this book you can watch the movie The Jolson Story and enjoy his voice on the soundtrack with Larry Parks performing as Jolson. A great story of a great entertainer.