Jolson, Al (Yelson, Asa)

(1886-1950)

   American entertainer, of Lithuanian origin. Born in Srednik, Luthiania, he went to the US with his family. The son of a cantor, he was drawn to the theatre, and began his career performing in Washington, DC. Later he went on the vaudeville circuit, and adopted the black face minstrel act. In 1927 he appeared in The Jazz Singer.