Al Jolson soundalike Norman Brooks sings George M Cohan's Greatest Hits

[diarci]

Perhaps what makes Norman Brooks so special, as with Larry Parks, is that neither attempted to "imitate" Jolson. They interpreted Jolson infusing their own sensibilities and personalities into the songs. Brooks brought his own lightness and freedom to the music (just listen to "So Long Mary") and Parks stylized reduced the intensity of the Jolson gestures, adding great charm in the process.

[2havago]

@diarci

Couldn't have put it better: Insightful spot on observations! Thank you.

Pat ... :p

[joehancock01]

i loove these :O i want to hear more

[GeminiNightOwl]

I never doubted it was his own voice, I just don't think he sounded all that much like Jolson.

[GeminiNightOwl]

He sounds a bit like Al Jolson but not all that much. There was only 1 Jolie. All imitations are just that.

[CarlDuke]

Jolson certainly was special and unique, but Brooks was no imitator, what you hear is his actual singing voice.

[babyfacemichael]

@CarlDuke Actually Norman Brooks's voice varied considerably. Just compare him in recordings such as these or in the motion picture "The Best Things In Life Are Free" with the Woody Allen film "Zelig".

[joehancock01]

yes ican see how he sounds lik him.lol

[heartcandy656]

George M. Cohan is amazing! I loveeee yankee doodle dandy!