Al Jolson Quotes, born Asa Yoelson on May 26, 1886, in Seredzius, Lithuania, and passing on October 23, 1950, in San Francisco, California, was an American singer, comedian, and actor dubbed “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” Immigrating to the United States as a child, he grew up in Washington, D.C., where his passion for performing led him to vaudeville and minstrel shows. His starring role in The Jazz Singer (1927), the first feature-length “talkie” with synchronized singing and dialogue, revolutionized cinema and cemented his fame. Known for hits like “Swanee,” “My Mammy,” and “April Showers,” Jolson’s brash, sentimental style influenced artists like Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley. Despite controversies over his use of blackface, a common practice of his era now recognized as offensive, his impact on entertainment is undeniable. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, performances, public statements, and posts on X—reflect his wisdom on entertainment, performance, audience connection, and resilience, capturing his vibrant legacy.
15 Al Jolson Quotes
- “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!” (The Jazz Singer, 1927)
- “I have seen and heard comedians who had really funny ‘stuff’ but yet could not make the people laugh; then, again—I have seen others whose stuff was anything but humorous, and the audience would howl with laughter.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “To entertain is to make people happy.” (Bookey, 2023)
- “After I die, I’ll be forgotten.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’d like to do radio just like pictures—leave the imperfect stuff on the cutting-room floor.” (QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “California, here I come, right back where I started from.” (Song, “California, Here I Come,” 1924)
- “We in the show business have our religion too—on every day, the show must go on!” (The Jazz Singer, 1927)
- “I recall the night that President McKinley died. I was working at the time at a theatre in St. Louis. The oppressive feeling was in the air. I could not make the people laugh.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Radio? A guy smooching in front of a mike, afraid to take his eyes off the script. Phooey! That’s not show business!” (The Jolson Story, 1946)
- “Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning.” (Song, “Carolina in the Morning,” 1922)
- “I came home with a heart full of love, but you don’t want to understand.” (The Jazz Singer, 1927)
- “The stage is where I live; it’s where I make people feel something real.” (Interview, quoted in Citatis.com, n.d.)
- “You’ve got to give the audience everything you’ve got, or they won’t give you anything back.” (Post on X, @ClassicHollywood, 2024-05-26)
- “Every performance is a chance to start fresh and win the crowd’s heart.” (Post on X, @VintageQuotes, 2025-02-10)
Al Jolson’s quotes are a lively blend of showmanship, heart, and relentless passion, inspiring us to connect with others, seize the stage, and pour our souls into every moment. Which one’s got you ready to belt out your own tune? Drop it in the comments and keep Jolson’s legendary legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
