Broadway History With Jenny | Episode 14: Al Jolson

transferring everything over from tiktok before the ban, which is why the number system for episodes is a little off.

[@GROPIUS2570]

Thank you for highlighting Al Jolson’s contributions to show business in your theater chronology. Conversations about early 20th-century entertainers can be quite challenging, especially given the cultural practices of that time. This difficulty touches on a question you thoughtfully posed in your talk: “Is it better to discuss the use of Blackface or to try to erase it from history?” To truly understand the complexities of the human experience, we must engage in discussions about aspects of popular culture that we now recognize as deeply problematic. Unfortunately, Blackface continued to appear in films during the 1930s and 1940s, with beloved performers like Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Dick Powell, Bing Crosby, and Shirley Temple participating in this practice. Many renowned composers and lyricists of the era, including Gus Kahn, George Gershwin, Harry Warren, Irving Berlin, and Jerome Kern, contributed their talents to the music that Al Jolson performed. Kern wrote the first song that Jolson showcased at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre in 1911. This raises the question: Are these individuals also guilty? The producers, directors, studio heads, and writers of that time also benefited from the films and Broadway shows featuring Blackface. Assessing whether all of these individuals bear guilt for racism due to their complicity in such practices can be difficult. However, it is crucial that we take the time to understand how and why this occurred. Acknowledging Jolson in today’s context requires both sensitivity and courage. Questioning practices that we all condemn is no small task; it necessitates thorough examination and understanding. While we should celebrate that Blackface is no longer a part of our culture, exploring why it was so prevalent in the early 20th century is crucial. It deserves our attention and comprehension. Jolson was a complex individual who grew up in a different world, faced with his own discrimination while striving for success in an unfamiliar environment. Providing more context about his situation could help us better understand why these practices occurred.

[@jennyhanrahanactor]

I have other videos that went in depth on that practice. I have no patience or need for exploring why blackface was justified as a practice, i'm just talking about musical theatre history.

[@GROPIUS2570]

@@jennyhanrahanactor Jenny - Thank you for your comment. I appreciate you bringing up this topic and Al Jolson in your exploration of American theatre. Many would have completely avoided it.

[@margaretthomas8899]

Very thought full and considered

[@margaretthomas8899]

@@jennyhanrahanactor Could you give a link to them please?