AL JOLSON IN BRITAIN
Appearances by Al Jolson in the U.K. were very few, a disappointment to the thousands of British fans that loved him. Simply and quite remarkably this affection came from his recordings and the four films that spotlighted his film career ...... "The Jazz Singer", "The Singing Fool", "The Jolson Story" and "Jolson Sings Again".
His other films made between the two talkies and the two biopics were well received, while his loyal fans would increase dramatically to colossal numbers with the impact of "The Jolson Story". Subsequently one of his first fan clubs, after the film, started in England and he became its president.
Although some of his radio shows were aired in Britain, after '"The Jolson Story" one could pick up the "Kraft Music Hall", when rebroadcast via the AFN for the GI's in Europe, despite some reception difficulties.
Many of Al's records were released in Britain some at a very early date. In comparison with many recording artistes Al's records were not that numerous, but they were all very popular and great sellers. "The Anniversary Song", seemed to be played constantly by the BBC, while it remained in the song charts for twenty four weeks.
These few observations make his popularity here more remarkable, for while the country was packed with imitators, he personally never appeared as an entertainer., discounting his short tour for the GI's. We can only speculate on the outcome had he ever done so.
He did visit Britain, while only the known ones are mentioned here.
March 1894. Liverpool, England. Yoelson family emigrating to America, onboard the Umbria.
June 1914. To help his first wife, Henrietta, recover from a recent operation. They sailed on the "Mauritania", together with other friends and travelled extensively, visiting London. Here he entertained, but only at a private reception, and as a result received many offers to appear publicly but could not accept due to his many home commitments. He did however, take home the English hit song "Sister Susie's Sewing Shirts For Soldiers".
June 1927. A further visit to Europe. Jolson was involved in making a silent film "Mammys Boy", playing a young lawyer. Upon seeing the "rushes" Al balked refusing to continue. To avoid confliction he immediately took an extended vacation to Europe, sailing for England aboard the White Star liner the "Majestic" on Saturday 23 June. His second wife Ethel, did not go but he was accompanied by Louis Epstein and Jake Shubert. They spent two weeks in England before going on to France, returning to America on the 23 July aboard the "Leviathan". There Al commented that he considered none of the shows in London or Paris compared with those in America... No doubt while in London he had again been approached regarding appearances there and his remarks may have been an excuse not to do so, for he had a constant fear of appearing outside America and not being accepted.
January/February 1928. Arrived in London to make arrangement for a trade showing of "The Jazz Singer", silent only. The Vitaphone talkie was not presented until the following May.
September/October 1928. Honeymooning with third wife Ruby Keeler in Europe visiting Paris and London. A rare stage appearance (informal chat only) at the new Piccadilly Theatre, London where "The Jazz Singer" was being publicly shown.
August 1942. The U.S.O. flew a party, including Al and Merle Oberon to England for a tour of Britain to entertain the American Forces. The group appeared at forty venues which included London, Dublin, Belfast, Limerick and Glasgow. Only two of the forty shows were for our British troops. A concert was scheduled for the London Palladium, part of which was to be broadcast by the B.B.C. this never took place.
In conclusion, Al Jolson was never again to set foot on British soil. British crowds missed out, but so did Al Jolson, for never was he to be thrilled by their applause in answer to his call "You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet"...............
Extracts taken from an article by John Thornell