Al Jolson: A Bio-Discography

by Larry F. Kiner, Philip R. Evans

Overview

"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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810826335
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/01/1992
Pages:	808
Product dimensions:	8.84(w) x 11.28(h) x 1.79(d)

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).

Editorial Reviews

...a formidable volume for a formidable performer...extraordinarily detailed...Recommended.

Classic Images

...loads of great illustrations.

Reference and Research Book News

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 Magazine

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

Film Review Annual

It's long overdue...

The Mississippi Rag

...loads of great illustrations.--Reference and 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 Magazine

From the Publisher

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

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

...loads of great illustrations..

Reference & Research Book News

A comprehensive study of legendary stage, film, record, and radio entertainer Jolson's (1886-1950) career and touring data. The volume provides extensive data on each of the performances, including dates, location, and accompaniment. The identities of the musicians and their respective instruments have also been included, along with all other performers involved (e.g. chorus members). All known recordings are listed by label name, catalog numbers, size, speed, and format. Additionally, the disposition of unissued "takes" and record company comments are included. With loads of great illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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