The legacy of Al Jolson

What makes a man an icon? There are thousands of members of the International Al Jolson Society, and each will tell you a different story, and show you a different side of the man.
He is called “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” — the first Superstar, and indeed he was. Jolson is known for his music, award-winning radio and stage shows and movies, entertaining our troops, and, by many, his good heart.
Next week, on Aug. 15, Al Jolson Society president Jan Hernstat brings his “mini” Jolson Festival back to Oceanside for the 19th time. This year holds a special treats. Highlights of the 2015 Long Island Al Jolson Festival include an auction, featuring a variety of historic memorabilia, videos, and tapes; a special presentation of a never-before seen color video of Jolson entertaining American troops overseas during the Korean war; as well as a performance from Brian Gari, the grandson of Jolson contemporary and legendary comedian/singer Eddie Cantor. And as always, the featured guest performer will be singer Tony Babino, who offers his two-hour show “The Heart of Al Jolson (with Dave Gross on piano).
So what made this entertainer so different? It was the connection with his audience, according to Hernstat. Jolson talked to the audience, loosening his tie, going down on one knee, sometimes walking into the aisles. Audiences loved him.
One story, from “Jolson the Entertainer” based on a biography by Michael Freedland, relates a time he came into a theater perhaps half an hour after the curtain should have gone up, walked down the centre of the auditorium with his hat and coat over his arm — and ask if they minded if he made up in front of them. More than that, as a gesture of apology, he handed out boxes of chocolates to everyone.
“I hope you understand,” he said, “I was having dinner in the restaurant around the corner and they had this swell piano player there, I got a little carried away. Please forgive me.” His audience not only forgave him, they clapped, they cheered and they blew kisses.