Submitted by irving yavitz, Feb 5, 2008 13:50

It is a shame that so many people after all these years still try to put down Jolsons use of blackface.Other entertainers such as Eddie Cantor,Bing Crosby,Mickey Rooney and even James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy appeared in blackface but they are never condemend, Al Jolson was to me,the greatest entertainer that ever hit the american stage.I was 8 years of age when my parents took me to see The Jolson Story.I remember my late father telling me of how this singer thrilled audiences with his non stop performances.From that day on I became a fan of Al Jolson.Here was a man who through his voice could make you laugh,jump for joy or cry.After all these years, no one ever praises the warmth and personality that Jolson delievered.Here was a man at age 64 who basically gave his life to entertain troops in Korea.Maybe it was ego that made him go, but to people I have met later on in life that knew Jolson,ego had nothing to do with him entertaining the troops.He was repaying America for what they had given him.I dare anyone today who listens to a Jolson record to make fun of this great entertainer.After almost 58 years since his passing, there still is magic in the voice that was AL JOLSON.

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