Al Jolson - Sonny Boy

Al Jolson Sonny Boy

[@willardjansen]

Al Jolson performed with a black face as a protest to black people not being allowed to perform on stage. He was credited with single-handedly introducing African-American music to white audiences. As early as 1911, he became known for fighting against black discrimination on Broadway.

[@Pawg_Alf]

thank you for the context.

[@prekrasnie]

stupid. it just an honest performance

[@420ThizzThug]

You are a fucking idiot.

[@cjc4765]

Not so Willard. Although he loved black entertainers and their music he sang in Blackface from his minstrel days and also he felt more comfortable when in blackface. He did however promote black entertainers such as Hubie Blake and many more. BUT the blackface was really a sign of the times.

[@lindinle]

i like some blackface performances.

[@edwardgunyo3638]

What great entertainer, he passed away in 1950 of a heart attack, but could of gone further. What a loss.

[@trentblakeslee6643]

no way black face fell out of vouge in the 60s when the boomers thought they were gonna be woke before they decided Trump was where is was at

[@zoezr1]

I asked my grandfather what the first ever movie he watched was and he answered with a smile "The Jazz Singer". The film came out in 1927 and he was born in 1928 and where he lived, theatres got movies somewhat late and he told me he saw this film with his mother and remembered when Al Jolson sang the line "climb upon my knee sonny boy" he got up from his seat and walked towards the screen because he thought Al was talking directly to him. I will never forget this story because it is so genuine and so sweet. ❤️

[@teddycuthbert]

That’s such a beautiful story! Thank you very much for sharing this :)

[@stewartmcrae8007]

thanks for sharing that with us shame I can only vote your comment up once

[@avginkel]

I have the original record in my possession. My dad who listened to that same record as a child, used to call me Sonny Boy. I knew this song ever since I was a child myself. My dad died two years ago at almost 89 years old. Thanks for this beautiful memory.

[@aileenloredo6475]

i can’t even imagine all you’ve seen in your life... i hope one day when i am 89 i will look back and be able to say with confidence there’s nothing i didn’t do and to have to regrets

[@manaharav]

@@aileenloredo6475 beautifully put,but now you (we) have to deal with the coronavirus. It's a catastrophe, not seen since WW2.

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@deletedelete3151]

So lovely when I was little and lived in Chicago my mom took me to see the jolson story

[@deletedelete3151]

Not rash

[@hylaw1709]

I asked my mom who is 96 years old to pick a song any song & I’ll find & play it for her via KZbin. She was startled when I granted her request of this song which she remembered as a teenager. I was blown away when I read the comments of fellow KZbinrs regarding the history behind this song & Mr. Jolson !!!! ....I’m 59yrs

[@myrnaflageul7346]

My Dad used to sing this song...my parents lost 2 babies long before I was born. I'm 81 now, still love Al Jolson. My faves are Red,red Robin and Sitting on top of the world. Both will be played at my funeral!

[@trentblakeslee6643]

wow is she still alive a 101 or is she burnning in hell with Robert E. Lee and Jeferson Davis and all her favorite people?

[@BlackSkins-il7ch]

I’m offended thanks

[@baxterstanley]

My son was born 11th June 1981, his name is Sonny, this is my song to him next year when he reaches 40. My mother passed away 4 year ago, I always listen to another song by Jolson to remember how no son realises how important our mothers are until they take their last breath, then its just regrets and tears. Id walk a million miles for one of your smiles My Mammy

[@keithlittlebury2986]

I've never known anyone else who can sing with such passion and emotion as Al Jolson. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck tingle

[@hfxz]

John mccormack did it great too

[@raymondturner1478]

Elvis.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Elvis was probably influenced by Jolson and incorporated passion into his own singing.

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@Clown_the_Clown]

​@@AC-mp7cxNot really

[@susanlawson2833]

My Dad was called Sonny by his mum when he was a boy. Sadly my Dad passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 83. He was a huge Jolson fan and we as children were introduced to him. At his funeral we played this as we were saying our final goodbye. Dad would have loved it. Miss him so much. Love you always Dad. xx

[@hirdy6]

Sounds like you did your Dad proud, sorry for your loss.

[@jmeijer2309]

hirdy6 haa gay

[@hirdy6]

jorrit meijer ?

[@CarlDuke]

Beautiful, honest sentiment.

[@CarlDuke]

The late incredibly talented singer Eddie Fisher always mentioned that he was called Sonny Boy as a youngster because of this tune. Eddie was born in 1928 the same year this song was written and would become the best interpreter of Jolson songs.

[@shanty4590]

I sang this to my son when he was 3. He loved it & said sing it again, my heart melted ❤️ that was his first ever in countering of someone singing to him & i cant sing a note, Bless my forever loving Sonny Boy ❤️ Love DAD xxx

[@MrLouiegenzano]

This is the saddest song I have ever heard. Can never help from crying when I hear the words and how Jolson sang it. Jolson was great.

[@mikevallen999]

Louie Genzano .....Please listen to the version of " Sonny Boy " by recording artist Jackie Wilson ( posted by yours truly Mike Vallen ( friend of Jackie Wilson's ) ) .

[@whatzause]

I played this today after what seems like a lifetime of not hearing it. I didn’t know tears were going to run from my eyes, but they sure did. I once heard this song was originally conceived in an effort to be ludicrously maudlin-for a sort of joke. And then they were surprised at the seriousness of the hit it made

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@Joetenka]

i just think of my best friend going away from me cuz he is like a brother to me and he probably has same feelings but he cant help it.

[@shipahoy1001]

My Dad used to sing this to me , we even sang it at his 75th birthday bash, me sitting on his lap......"Climb upon my knee sonny boy.............though you're six foot three Sonnie boy" .. ah bless him.. I loved singing all the old songs with him, what happy memories, NOTHING can take them away..

[@henryratajczak7806]

The late great Al Jolson. One of the best of all time. Rest in peace with God.

[@edwinsvigals7788]

Grandpa would sing this to me ca. 1933...Ive carried it with me ever since...

[@CHRISRepAZ]

Wow

[@chrismcallister3355]

Mine did too. This version was released the year he went to New York for 3 years aged 19. He used to call me sonny boy

[@thejollyrancher6713]

Did he douse himself in shoe polish first?

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@Stantheman848]

​@@thejollyrancher6713 that is funny

[@howardstern666]

Jolson's voice could fill a room without a microphone, and he could sing all night. Amazing talent.

[@johnmachale2950]

My widowed grandmother - her husband was killed in the First World War in Belgium - reared me and used to sit me on her knee while she played this record on her old gramophone in the west of Ireland. It still brings tears to my eyes. She died in 1946 when I was 7 years old. Thanks for the beautiful memory.

[@cheali2]

Climb upon my knee, Sonny Boy, Though you're only three, Sonny Boy, You've no way of knowing, There's no way of showing, What you mean to me, Sonny Boy. When there are grey skies, I don't mind the grey skies, You make them blue, Sonny Boy. Friends may forsake me, Let them all forsake me, I still have you, Sonny Boy. You're sent from Heaven And I know your worth, You've made a Heaven For me, right here on Earth When I'm old and grey, dear, Promise you won't stray, dear For I love you so, Sonny Boy. When there are grey skies, I don't mind the grey skies, You make them blue, Sonny Boy. Friends may forsake me, Let `em, let `em all forsake me, I still have you, Sonny Boy. You're sent from Heaven And I know your worth, Why, you made a Heaven For me, right here on Earth. And the Angels, they grew lonely, And they took you because they were lonely, Now I'm lonely too, Sonny Boy.

[@dotyapp5363]

My dad use to sing this to me , and always had tears in his eyes im 86 now but I was just a little girl back then but always remember it

[@harrisonwestphall2381]

He has a beautiful voice. I'm glad his film got the recognition it deserves.

[@bedheadbeatz]

You do realise he's in blackface right?

[@harrisonwestphall2381]

@@bedheadbeatz Yes I know of the blackface.

[@AC-mp7cx]

racist

[@waynebreivogel1742]

Iconic. With deep-sizing Dr. Seuss, let’s pray they don’t burn every copy of “The Jazz Singer”.

[@wahkontah1948]

My dad was called Sonny after this song, so when I hear this I can just visualize my grandfather having my dad on his knee singing this song.

[@williambanks968]

All my children were brought up on Al Jolson music and they loved him and still do.

[@Stantheman848]

Time traveller?

[@stewartmcrae8007]

@@Stantheman848 I assume that you are aware of things such as vinyl cassettes cds betamax vhs dvd blu Ray the Internet etc

[@user-er2ij6wx1o]

Always has me in tears remember my own son who died as a baby

[@house_cocoon]

I know this comment is 4 years old, but I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child, and you're very brave to comment about it. Sending all my love your way

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@user-er2ij6wx1o]

@@AC-mp7cx you have a warped mind and need confining in a secure unit

[@a.lateralus5840]

I'm sorry for you and your loss ...god bless you

[@doodkfkrpekfmfmrke4998]

I'm so sorry man, that must really hurt Hopefully you still have other children, although it must really hurt to lose one as a baby nonetheless

[@gmtorres62]

Jolson enjoyed performing in blackface makeup, a theatrical convention since the Mid-19th Century and Vaudeville. With his unique and dynamic style of singing Black music, such as Jazz and Blues. Jolson was Later Credited with Single-Handedly Introducing African-American Music to white audiences. As Early As 1911, Al Jolson Became Known "For Fighting Against Black Discrimination On Broadway".

[@Stantheman848]

Wiki?

[@fredschepers5149]

Yeah.. I doubt he was there in 1911, don't you think? Or am I wrong and do you have some proper original anecdotes from that time when you visited his performances? 🙄

[@brandontadday6288]

"The angels, they grew lonely. They took you, because they were lonely. Now I'm lonely too, sonny boy" 😢

[@TheRevelationmaster]

Genius. Did you see the trembling lower lip? Jolson poured himself into his music. No one has touched him since. Lary Parks did a gret job, but he couldn't establish Jolson's style of movement. He always looked like he wanted to jump out of his skin when he sang. Sooo vibrant.

[@bernardbrenner6088]

At least he kept a stiff upper lip.

[@jewishlad6787]

jump out of which skin

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@lorrainepaul5928]

My great-uncle George Sutherland was Managing Director of Allens Music in Melbourne. He met Jolson many times as well as other great performers. My family has a photo of him playing golf with the great Opera-singer, Gigli. Great-uncle George also knew Nellie Melba.

[@margaretthomas8899]

I used to go into Allens a lot Lorraine. and bought many Jolson Albums there. I remember listining to one of his 1924 to 1930 records there in one of the sound proof booths on the side you were put in, and a lady looking at me with a big grin on her face and walking straight up and looking me in the eye and saying ' THATS A BEAUTY'! Only with JOLIE you experience these things!

[@grampy2014]

What a great honor, not only for your great uncle, but for Jolson.

[@reyalpEleluku]

The composers wrote the lyrics as a joke, so I'm told, but Jolson made millions cry with this. A happier version of this song appears earlier in the movie, before 'Sonny Boy' dies.

[@maybrook1]

it's 95 degrees in my room, and i'm still getting goosebumps listening to this.

[@mr_mack_indenver7807]

Inappropriate, sure, but EVERY thing is 'racist' to some....

[@robertamsel4769]

Today, of course, "blackface" would be racist. But back in the late 1920's when this song was performed by Jolson, it was considered acceptable.

[@zarahankss7697]

My dad’s all time favourite Al Jolson. Lost my dad 12 years ago first time since I have even been able to listen to Jolson. Such memories 😢❤️😢❤️

[@taragreenetarotastrologyre4945]

My dad was also called sonny by his older sisters. He used to play this record and sing it to me and I always choked up.

[@charlespisanosr5827]

A tear jerker if you have an Angel in Heaven!

[@AC-mp7cx]

this is racist

[@treyowen9213]

This song has me crying. I love it!

[@MrImiller07]

In 1945 there was a Friars Club gala in which various stars performed over the course of three hours. Jolson was on the bill however his career was on the decline. He performed Sonny Boy and the audience was mesmerized. A producer saw the effect that Jolson still had on an audience and decided to create a biographical film on Jolson's life and career, "The Jolson Story". It was produced at Columbia, it was an unexpected sensation, Jolson's career was revitalized and a successful sequel was made.

[@reyalpEleluku]

@stanroach2842 Jolson reportedly gave a master class in showmanship that night.

[@sharoncunningham8688]

My dad passed away last Christmas and Al Jolson was his favourite, great memories of hearing all the songs and dvds 😢

[@johnhalbert3575]

😊 😊 I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it 💖

[@sharoncunningham8688]

Last played probs a year ago now! Every now n then I play the songs to remind me of my Dad , he was always listening to Al Jolson 🥰 he loved them all ..my favourite is There’s a rainbow round my shoulder ! 🌈

[@johnhalbert3575]

@@sharoncunningham8688 😊 😊 That's cool 😎 I even have some of his songs on my play list it really nice

[@johnhalbert3575]

@@sharoncunningham8688 but is he your favorite musician too or don't love him like your dad do

[@sharoncunningham8688]

Yeh I have his songs on my playlist 👍

[@ritacable6159]

Al Jolsen what an amazing talent , when l hear him sing sonny boy or mammy with such emotion , it makes me want to cry . Jolsen sings straight from the heart . Best wishes from Australia .

[@andrewtopley7265]

im 48 and igrew up listeningvto my grandads hero .........so thiis always makes me cry god bless grandad

[@SZYB3]

Thanks for this it’s made my day 👌🏻🇬🇧…great stuff …what a song 🎵…what a performance ….nostalgia …devoid of wokery

[@no-zz3br]

my favourite black performer bar none

[@paulkruger491]

HaHa

[@varietyguy]

Better than the real deal.

[@lili-maedodd474]

This was played at my grandads funeral :(

[@pufmama]

Who can hear this without shedding a tear

[@JaimeGarcia-pe7bj]

Al Jolson was honored by the NAACP.

[@DilettanteXyz]

This song is a central plot element in a hilarious story by P. G. Wodehouse, "Jeeves and the Song of Songs".

[@joansmith6092]

This scene is shown near the ending of the part-talkie movie The Singing Fool 1928.

[@user-er2ij6wx1o]

When you have lost a son it has a deep meaning

[@susuxbasi]

[e-mail] Highcliffe 4 I feel yours my friend. This song always makes me miss my daughter so much. I heard this song via Tiny Tim

[@billtate4049]

God bless

[@None4you2day]

[e-mail] Highcliffe 4 My father is 94 and when I was a kid I remember him singing this song to me and now he isn’t doing to well but I played this song for him and for the first time in a month he looked me in the eyes and smiled and said I remember. Totally blew me away and the two nurses in the room couldn’t believe it. They both said wow at the same time...

[@cpmontanapromoblackheartta3886]

I'm sorry. Yes music changes for me everytime I lose someone I cared about deeply.

[@wrrsr88]

He was the ever best.

[@JubileumTv]

He was a great singer

[@danielche2349]

you can see the tears... such a true performance...

[@thecarter5868]

Come back, Jolie! We miss you!

[@Nite30889]

I was the manager and friend of a 'later" Star in the music business that left us and my heart Breaks... .BUT...THis one made me want to do this and tell all who even care...I MiSS the Music

[@cakelrete9612]

Climb up on my knee Sonny Boy Though you're only three Sonny Boy You've no way of knowing There's no way of showing What you mean to me Sonny Boy. [Chorus] When there are gray skies, I don't mind the gray skies. You make them blue Sonny Boy. Friends may forsake me. Let them all forsake me. I still have you Sonny Boy. You're sent from heaven And I know your worth. You made a heaven For me here on earth. When I'm old and gray dear Promise you won't stray dear For I love you so Sonny Boy. [Chorus] You're sent from heaven And I know your worth. You've made a heaven For me here on earth. And the angels grew lonely Took you because they were lonely I'm lonely too Sonny Boy.

[@brijels9015]

Triste, tb perdi irmão bebê e tios tb em tenra infância, Jolson grande intérprete.

[@sirphineasluciusambercromb9114]

Coloured people and the Irish love this song

[@Stantheman848]

Who are coloured people?

[@66smithra]

@@Stantheman848 Wouldn't the NAACP know?

[@uncled39]

​@@Stantheman848people of colour.

[@stewartmcrae8007]

@@Stantheman848 everyone on planet earth is a coloured person

[@fredschepers5149]

I am not. I don't colour myself. I am just white. You might not have noticed it, but Al Jolson was originally not black. It's make up... Hence the comment about coloured people... On a positive note tho, at least he (like a few others) paved the way for black people to come on stage instead of being pissed on by large groups of white people in that time. Not sure if you ever heard of the "Rat pack", but members of that "pack" refused to perform if Sammy Davis jr wasn't allowed inside and on stage. And make no mistake... They as well took the piss out of black people. But with a clear goal! And that pack had some big names in that time. Kudos for Mr. jolson....

[@jerzeyproone5297]

This song is featuring in the Wodehouse’s tale ‘Jeeves and the Song of the Songs’, indeed i thank you up for give me this chance for understand that cool story. God bless your channel.

[@lorenzolucchesi2876]

Al could captivate an audience for hours, his music and voice evoked so much emotion...he was the GREATEST entertainer!

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

One of the very few performers who had the tremendous ability to put his heart and his soul into his deliverance.

[@sweepsmamma]

Fantastic. Dads fave singer. He used to black up like Al and go round all the clubs singing his songs (he did sound like him)Seeing this brings very happy days back to me when Mu and dad were alive. Thanku

[@nicksmpsn6546]

I work in a care home and run a dementia unit, and regularly my residents sing this song together. It's very sweet.

[@trentblakeslee6643]

old people are racist this is not new info

[@ya.thegoat8795]

In the film, his son is ill. He plays a stage performer who sings the song, which coincidentally links with his son.

[@jackdempsey4258]

better watch it now... will be outlawed soon

[@boba3731]

the one and only

[@inuluver15]

Al Jolson was famous for playing characters in blackface (he rubbed a burnt cork mask on his face to imitate the African American complexion, according to Wikipedia). He became famous for his blackface characters and this was quite common at the time because black entertainers weren't really common/allowed in showbusiness.

[@alancosway9403]

Just lost my dad to day he used to black up and sing Al jolson , just had to listen to Sony boy 😂 rip dad ..love Alan xx

[@uncled39]

Superb

[@mcdeadsquirrel]

If you all don't have a tear in your eye, you ain't human.

[@ShirleyKeller-c1y]

Thank you I never knew that let this be known he was a good man god bless him ❤

[@timmaselli2314]

It's June 13th 2022 and my sonny boy which is a cat named sunny he got stuck in somebody's garage and must have passed away in their garage and I miss him and love him so much it's been two weeks and I'm going out of my mind crazy I love you sunny and miss you sonny boy it is only two years and two months old and I miss him and I've been crying it took a couple weeks for me to cry and I miss him so much I adopted a cat today which is June 13th but no cat will take his place

[@PJ-ww7by]

Is it okay to be 70 and flit around KZbin ☺️,?

[@myrnaflageul7346]

Of course, I am 81...you're only a baby!

[@maybrook1]

There was nobody better.

[@maureencraven4688]

Love Al Jolson songs my Darling Dad used to take him off in working men's clubs xxx

[@Mr.Rocklight]

Love Al Jolson ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ColtDee]

WOW fantastic.

[@ShirleyKeller-c1y]

God bless him I love his voice and music he was a good human being

[@eddiegrispo8886]

My dad used to pay on Minstrel shows. He called me on stage and sang this to me.

[@vladimircordero8473]

esta cancion a mi me emociona mucho . que triste que ya no existan cantantes hoy en dia como lo fueron Al jonson y muchos mas de esas epocas . por que ahora lo que hay son solo basura cantantes badura con du musica basura

[@ronnietaylor8167]

Great song which my dad loved memories

[@elias01]

This is one of the first records that sold 1'000,000 of copies...

[@georgeshoegaerts1612]

father song this song several times for me when i whas young and he whas a marvelous imitater of Al Jolson

[@marjowielinga2732]

For my Dad, while he was a way during the war his son died and he could not come over for the funeral.

[@maypost]

this is great! thanks for posting

[@bradleyhoover4690]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so Jolson was simply paying tribute to the blacks who at the time, weren't allowed into show business. In essence, he was representing them and giving them a voice when they had none.

[@Mikelumpkin]

SONNY BOY soooo gooood.

[@Dovid2000]

My grandfather (born 1905) would call me "Sonny Boy."

[@Stantheman848]

Great anecdote. Got anymore?

[@Ojb_1959]

Right on Al

[@BaseballPlayer0]

More people need to perform with this kind of getup. Bring this back

[@dankogrgic8355]

Those were the better times indeed

[@inuluver15]

(continued) This particular film stars Jolson as an entertainer much like himself who plays characters in blackface. His son is dying and in this scene, he finds out that his son has just died, but the show must go on.

[@keithlittlebury2986]

thanks for explaining

[@robertcooper3551]

Which son

[@Stantheman848]

Was his son black?

[@bonanzajoe]

Al Jolson wasn't racist. He tried to give the black race dignity and honor. I guess this was his way of honoring them. Too bad the black extremist racists can't see it. The black race are so much more emotional than any other race. And God loves that. I'm white by the way and I have learned a lot over the years.

[@yujiyato8800]

you have learned nothing if you dont think this is racist you weirdo lmao.

[@Tunezzup555]

Well when your black you see it as its always been represented

[@yujiyato8800]

@Tarnell nobody is angry..... lol

[@emiltoutou1]

Let’s not sugarcoat it! the guy is a great singer,but Com’on!This is pure racism right there with that black face!

[@mat1pa]

Easy for YOU to say

[@shannonMagill1996]

My great uncle idolised this man he just passed away two days ago he used to paint his face just like this and preform

[@aesthey2501]

good riddance

[@Stantheman848]

It is pretty bizarre?

[@carlothecarlowhoiscarlo5536]

This isn't the anime.

[@user-jy8et3gh8p]

Ongemakkelijke beelden bij een grandioos gebracht, sentimenteel lied. Prachtig. Dat Al als succesvol geëmigreerde Jood, wat vond van het alom aanwezige racisme in zijn nieuwe land, is algemeen bekend. Dit liedje, en Al, is voor altijd, de black face iets dat we niet terug (zouden moeten) willen. Stem Biden, er is (helaas) géén keus...

[@BuckyBrown-lt4ry]

He did more positive things for blacks than "Rev." Al ever did or will do.

[@kenmichael380]

My Daddy played as Jolly back in 1942. I have video of My Daddy in black face doing Al's dance from Swainee River. How Lucky am I? My Daddy was born in 1938.

[@gilbertmarispini8016]

Good job having a racist father. Al Jolson was a terrible person.

[@willemvaningen2747]

+Gilbert Marispini - The sick mind sees racism everywhere.

[@gilbertmarispini8016]

+Willem van Ingen this is literally blackface

[@stevenadams3404]

+Willem van Ingen in this case it's in the video

[@cushpnk]

@@gilbertmarispini8016 Al Jolson did blackface to protest against theaters that were not allowing black people as performers.

[@macca63]

The fav song of Noddy Holder from Slade!

[@jillianmurdoch167]

My gran and papa look after a dog named Sonny. We nickname him Sonny Boy. Ha Ha lol!

[@ColtDee]

WOW JOLSON's magic.

[@elwoodblues6663]

mom i hear you calling im on the way see you at the top of the stairs 😇

[@tommyvermiglio1649]

I Get That Song By Al Jolson In My Head

[@tommyvermiglio1649]

I Get That Song By Al Jolson In My Head

[@tommyvermiglio1649]

And He Sings Mammy Swanee Let Me Sing I'm Happy Rock A Bye My Baby With A Dixie Melody Quarter To Nine Hello My Baby

[@tommyvermiglio1649]

And The Camptown Races

[@ghostrider-ek8gu]

Still the great Jazz singer.

[@yashk1964]

I didn't know Justin Trudeau sang so well

[@caponen6354]

great!