[Jazz & Song] Jolson, Al. (1886-1950). Original Photograph. Original 3 x 7 inch trimmed photograph of Jolson in full blackface, mounted to a card backing.


Jolson is best known today for his appearance in one of the first "talkies," The Jazz Singer, the first feature film with sound to enjoy wide commercial success, in 1927. Performing the song "Mammy" in blackface, Jolson ad-libbed his signature catchphrase, "You ain't heard nothing yet!" Along with being one of the supreme performers of the vaudeville stage, Jolson was also the first musical artist to sell over 10 million records. Although Jolson's legacy has been somewhat controversial due to his use of stage blackface, his work is being re-appreciated for capturing the roots of minstrelry shows and the classic popular songs of his era.