Al Jolson Signed Photo - The Jazz Singer - and similar items

This is an AUTHENTIC HAND SIGNED ORIGINAL Vintage 8"x 10" BW photo of American singer, comedian, and actor AL JOLSON. Al Jolson (born Asa Yoelson; 9 June [O.S. 28 May] 1886 – October 23, 1950) was an American singer, comedian, and actor. He was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer" at the peak of his career. His performing style was brash and extroverted, and he popularized many songs that benefited from his "shamelessly sentimental, melodramatic approach." In the 1920s, Jolson was America's most famous and highest-paid entertainer. Although best remembered today as the star of the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer (1927), he starred in a series of successful musical films during the 1930s. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was the first star to entertain troops overseas during World War II. After a period of inactivity, his stardom returned with The Jolson Story (1946), for which Larry Parks played Jolson, with the singer dubbing for Parks. The formula was repeated in a sequel, Jolson Sings Again (1949). In 1950, he again became the first star to entertain GIs on active service in the Korean War, performing 42 shows in 16 days. He died weeks after returning to the U.S., partly owing to the physical exertion of performing. Defense Secretary George Marshall posthumously awarded him the Medal for Merit. According to music historian Larry Stempel, "No one had heard anything quite like it before on Broadway." Author Stephen Banfield wrote that Jolson's style was "arguably the single most important factor in defining the modern musical". Jolson has been dubbed "the king of blackface" performers, a theatrical convention since the mid-19th century. With his dynamic style of singing jazz and blues, he became widely successful by extracting traditionally African-American music and popularizing it for white American audiences who were otherwise not receptive to the originators. Despite his promotion and perpetuation of black stereotypes, his work was often well-regarded by black publications and he has been credited for fighting against black discrimination on Broadway[as early as 1911. In an essay written in 2000, music critic Ted Gioia remarked, "If blackface has its shameful poster boy, it is Al Jolson", showcasing Jolson's complex legacy in American society. This is an awesome autographed piece of entertainment memorabilia and will look great framed. This signed photo comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. All of the autographed items I have listed are from my personal collection. They were either obtained by me personally from the celebrity(s) or through a reputable dealer. If not satisfied with this item you may return it within 10 days. This photo is boldly signed and is in Xlt. condition. Any of the (LOGOS ON PICTURES ARE NOT ON ACTUAL PHOTO). Any flaws you might see in the picture other than mentioned are from my camera, not the photo itself! All photos are sent in either top loaders and/or archival acid free backer boards and clear plastic sleeves. Shipping and handling is $8.00 U.S, $18.00 Canada, OVERSEAS- OUTSIDE OF CANADA PLEASE EMAIL FOR S/H QUOTE AS IT COULD BE MORE. Insurance is extra cost. Seller not responsible for uninsured items. WE WILL COMBINE ORDERS TO SAVE YOU COSTS FOR S/H. We do our very best to ship items within 24 hours of payment being received. Email us if you have any questions regarding this item. 12-23-16POP BK# 434-100 CHECK OUT OUR MANY OTHER GREAT ITEMS LISTED!