Most everyone associates "My Mammy" with Al Jolson's pioneer talkie, "The Jazz Singer." But Al also sang five other numbers in the movie. The Maestro wonders if you can name any of them.

OK MT - I can come up with four (plus your's Maestro) I think. My Mammy: Blue Skies; Toot Toot Tootsie, Dirty Hands, Dirty Face and Kol Nidre. I cannot think of the others. Speaking of Al Jolson. He was not the first choice for The Jazz Singer. Who was the first choice for the lead? For that matter he was not even the second choice see if you can come up with the two actors considered before Jolson. Smiley

Four of five songs, Smiley. Bravo! The fifth on Al sang was the forgotten "Mother, I Still Have You." The Maestro will refrain from answering your good question so that others may have the opportunity.

Wasnt that song actually entitled "MOTHER OF MINE?"

"Mother, I Still Have You" was credited to Jolson and Louis Silvers. Perhaps we have one of those "Smile Awhile"/"Till We Meet Again" things. Perhaps the Maestro will present a subsequent comment. It much depends upon his mood.

"Mother of Mine, I Still Have You" was the lone original song of "The Jazz Singer." Lyricist Grant Clarke is also given credit for it sometimes, in addition to Jolson and Silvers. Since Jolson often asked for composer credit, we don't know how much Al's actual contribution was. Clarke, incidentally, was one of the few lyricists to actually supply lyrics for an Irving Berlin song. The Maestro now leaves the podium.

People considered for lead in "The Jazz Singer" before Al Jolson were:
1. George Jessel - "The Toastmaster General"
2. Eddie Cantor - "Ole Banjo Eyes"
Kindest Regards:
Ron McKnight.
"Chief Thunder Cloud"

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