Ten Things that Irving Berlin and Al Jolson had in Common

They were both born in the old country.

They both spoke Yiddish.

They both sang for pennies and nickels on the streets of New York

They made one another rich, Irving Berlin writing the songs and Al Jolson singing them.

They were American patriots.

They both changed their names.

They were born in the 1880s

Here is an interview with Irving Berlin’s daughter from about ten years ago.

From the first talkie with substantial singing, 1927, the Jazz Singer, singing Blue Skies by Irving Berlin

Al Jolson singing in a 1928 movie

Sheila Jordan thinks this is one of the best popular songs ever written. Irving Berlin at his best.