Jolson: The Legend Comes to Life - Softcover

Goldman, Herbert G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195063295 ISBN 13: 9780195063295

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1990

Synopsis

Audiences knew him for four decades as "The World's Greatest Entertainer." Now Herbert G. Goldman gives us the definitive biography of this quintessential star of the musical stage.
With a sure eye for the revealing anecdote, Goldman chronicles each step of Al Jolson's colorful life from his early struggles with his brother, Harry, on the vaudeville and burlesque circuit and his rise to stardom on Broadway; through his glory at the pinnacle of national fame, which came with his appearances in the movies The Jazz Singer (the first "talking picture") and The Singing Fool; to his final round of appearances in 1950, entertaining American troops in Korea just before his death. Goldman explores the complexities of the Jolson personality, as revealed in his four stormy marriages and his relations with family, business associates, friends, and enemies.
Exhaustively researched and well-rounded, this beautifully-written biography offers a vivid portrait Jolson the entertainer--a man of the stage whose exuberant optimism and magnetic energy enthralled three generations of audiences.

About this title

About the Author:

About the Author:
Herbert G. Goldman is a free-lance writer who lives in New York City. He is currently at work on a biography of Fanny Brice.

From Library Journal:

Al Jolson is probably best remembered for the film The Jazz Singer . But in his time, he was an immensely popular performer whose gift was the ability to communicate magically with live audiences. Comprehensively researched and written in a straightforward anecdotal style that is neither endearing nor debunking, Goldman details Jolson's complex life and career, from early beginnings as a street performer through his multifaceted career. The author seeks the real person behind the legend, exploring Jolson's giant ego and mercurial personality. Fascinating reading, this highly recommended work will no doubt come to stand as the definitive book on Jolson and his times.Arthur Bargar, Media Librarian, Milford P.L., Conn.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0195063295
• ISBN 13: 9780195063295
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448