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Al Jolson, World-famed Singer, Dies in San Francisco at 64; Was Son of Cantor

October 25, 1950
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Al Jolson, world-renowned singer and entertainer, died here early this morning of a heart attack at the age of 64. He recently completed a tour of U.S. troop installations in Korea.

The son of a cantor, Jolson–whose real name was Asa Yoelson–left home to find hit way in the theatrical world rather than accede to his father’s request that he, too, train to be a cantor. Probably his most famous motion picture was The Jazz Singer, which was partially autobiographical.

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