Jolson: The Story of Al Jolson by Michael Freedland
Al Jolson, star of the world's first talking picture and self-proclaimed world's greatest entertainer, blazed many trails through show business. He was also the first to appear on American television and the first to release a long-playing record in Britain. Over 100 years after Jolson's birth, 1995 sees his story, Jolson: The Musical, return to the stage. The musical is based on this biography. The book includes Jolson's love affair with his audience, his three marriages, his ego and his personal life, along with many anecdotes and reminiscences from those who knew, loved and worked with him.