# Al Jolson

> Russian Empire-born American entertainer, actor, and singer (1886–1950)

**Wikidata**: [Q128532](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128532)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jolson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-jolson

## Summary

Al Jolson was born on May 26, 1886 · Seredžius [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. He died on October 23, 1950 · San Francisco [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. 
He worked as an actor, film actor, singer, jazz musician, stage actor, and comedian [10]. Al Jolson was employed by Warner Bros. Entertainment . 
His music genres included vaudeville, traditional pop, and blues . Al Jolson received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame and Medal for Merit . 
He was a member of Temple Israel of Hollywood  and was buried at Hillside Memorial Park .

## Summary
Al Jolson was a Lithuanian-born American entertainer, actor, and singer (1886–1950) who became a prominent figure in vaudeville, film, and traditional pop music. He is best known for his powerful voice, comedic performances, and contributions to early jazz and blues-influenced entertainment. Jolson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his Medal for Merit reflect his enduring legacy in American music and entertainment.

## Biography
- Born: 1886 (place unspecified)
- Nationality: American (born in Lithuania)
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Pioneering early jazz and blues-influenced entertainment, comedic acting, and vocal performances
- Employer(s): Warner Bros. Entertainment, Decca Records
- Field(s): Entertainment, music, comedy, film, stage performance

## Contributions
Al Jolson made significant contributions to American entertainment through his work in vaudeville, film, and music. He was signed to Decca Records, where he recorded influential songs that blended traditional pop, jazz, and blues. His performances in films like *The Jazz Singer* (1927) helped popularize early jazz and blues music. Additionally, he was affiliated with Warner Bros. Entertainment, further expanding his influence in the industry.

## FAQs
**What genres of music did Al Jolson perform?**
Al Jolson performed in traditional pop, jazz, and blues, blending these genres in his music and stage performances. His work helped shape early American popular music.

**Where did Al Jolson work during his career?**
Al Jolson worked with Warner Bros. Entertainment and Decca Records, contributing to both film and music industries. His affiliations with these organizations played a key role in his career.

**What awards did Al Jolson receive?**
Al Jolson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Medal for Merit, recognizing his contributions to entertainment and music.

## Why They Matter
Al Jolson mattered as a pioneer in early jazz and blues-influenced entertainment. His work in films like *The Jazz Singer* helped popularize these genres, influencing future musicians and performers. His vocal performances and comedic acting set standards for American entertainment. Jolson's legacy continues to be celebrated in music and film history, making him a significant figure in the development of American popular culture.

## Notable For
- First significant performer to blend traditional pop, jazz, and blues in his music
- Starred in *The Jazz Singer* (1927), a landmark film in early jazz and blues history
- Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to entertainment
- Awarded the Medal for Merit for his service to American music and comedy
- Affiliated with Warner Bros. Entertainment and Decca Records, shaping his career in film and music

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Al Jolson was born in 1886 in Lithuania and later migrated to the United States. His early career began in vaudeville, where he developed his comedic and vocal talents. Jolson's powerful voice and comedic performances quickly gained attention, leading to his rise in the entertainment industry.

### Rise to Fame
Jolson's breakthrough came with his role in *The Jazz Singer* (1927), a film that popularized early jazz and blues music. His performances in the film helped establish him as a leading figure in American entertainment. Jolson's ability to blend traditional pop, jazz, and blues in his music set him apart from other performers of his time.

### Musical Contributions
Al Jolson recorded influential songs with Decca Records, contributing to the development of early jazz and blues-influenced music. His recordings helped shape the sound of American popular music, influencing future generations of musicians. Jolson's work with Decca Records further cemented his reputation as a key figure in the music industry.

### Film and Stage Performances
In addition to his work in film, Jolson performed on stage, showcasing his comedic and vocal talents in vaudeville and theater productions. His stage performances helped solidify his status as a leading entertainer, attracting large audiences and critical acclaim. Jolson's ability to perform in both film and stage settings made him a versatile and influential figure in American entertainment.

### Awards and Legacy
Al Jolson received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Medal for Merit. These accolades recognized his contributions to entertainment and music, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in American popular culture. Jolson's influence continues to be celebrated in music and film history, making him a significant figure in the development of American entertainment.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
Al Jolson was affiliated with Warner Bros. Entertainment, contributing to the development of film and music industries. His collaborations with Warner Bros. Entertainment helped shape his career and expand his influence in the entertainment world. Jolson's work with Warner Bros. Entertainment further established him as a key figure in American entertainment.

### Cultural Impact
Al Jolson's cultural impact extends beyond his musical and film contributions. His work helped shape the sound of American popular music and influenced future generations of performers. Jolson's legacy continues to be celebrated in music and film history, making him a significant figure in the development of American entertainment. His influence on early jazz and blues music remains a key part of American cultural heritage.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/jolson.html)
3. BnF authorities
4. Deutsche Synchronkartei
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. CiNii Research
8. [Source](https://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/44079)
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Find a Grave
13. Discogs
14. filmportal.de
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. CONOR.SI
18. BBC Things
19. ISWC Network
20. Quora
21. Israeli Music Collection
22. LIBRIS. 2018
23. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data