Al Jolson - "Ding-A-Ring A Ring" (1921)

Ding-A-Ring A Ring
Words and Music by Ira Schuster
Sung by Al Jolson
Recorded January 4, 1921
Columbia A3375

It has been said that Al Jolson was an major influence to Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Bob Dylan and others singers that were to follow. But who was it that influenced the young Al Jolson? In 1909, a 23-year old Jolson was performing with the Lew Dockstader Minstrel Show. A newspaper entertainment columnist labeled him "the second Billy Emerson."

But who was Emerson? Emerson, was born in Belfast Ireland in 1846 but came to the United States as a infant. Emerson was the most prominent of the minstrel singers, dancers and comedians of the second half of the nineteenth century. During the later part of his career he is said to have received the highest salary ever paid to a performer of minstrelsy. Emerson died in 1902.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Al Jolson
• Ding-A-Ring A Ring
• 1921
• Columbia
• A3375
• Ira Schuster
• Comedy
• Comedian
• Vaudeville
• Broadway
• 78rpm

[Shabannie]

You really have done a lot of nice work for Al Jolson.

--------Ellen

[bsgs98]

@Shabannie I have about 10 Jolson songs posted, all from before 1930. He's always been a favorite of mine.

Bill

[goldie0800]

You know, I can't think of another singer in that period who was as outgoing and expressive as Jolson. His singing seems timeless, as real then as now, not dated like some singers were. Just a thought. Thanks for letting us hear these seldom heard songs.

[bsgs98]

@goldie0800 Thanks for the comment. His stage and vaudeville skills made him the most successful entertainer of his era. His recordings can only capture a small portion of his total performance. His acting and singing in the film "The Jazz Singer" really show his personality.

[bostonblakie]

As Sinatra used to say, "Ring-a-ding-ding!"

[bsgs98]

@bostonblakie Dang! Frank could NEVER get it right!

[GeoStrum3]

Do you like Drake's Ring Dings? I do!

[elmaranon]

Precious! Muchas gracias!

[298625]

A real period piece. thanks for posting these treasures.

[mrgoodvibrations]

lol great diddy