Organist takes on lofty project Feb 23, 2009
All that changed in 1927 with Al Jolson's "The Jazz Singer." The first "talkie" triggered a revolution in film-making that eventually silenced theater organs across America. As the years passed, most ended up in disrepair and ultimately were junked, as impressive movie houses gave way to impersonal multiplexes. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
FACTBOX: Facts about the Oscars Feb 22, 2009
film "The Jazz Singer" was honoured with a special award as the "pioneering outstanding talking picture, which has revolutionized the industry." The Academy had ruled that it was ineligible for competition for best picture because it was thought it would be unfair to let sound films compete with silents. 1939 AND "GONE WITH THE WIND". (Reuters)
'Singin in the Rain' reigns Apr 1, 2008
But another article hints that changes are about to occur in Tinseltown with the release of "The Jazz Singer," reputed to be "all talking, all singing.". Tension is high. (NJ.com -- Times)
David O'Brien Mar 28, 2008
And I recommended a CD by the jazz singer Cassandra Wilson, Blue Light Til Dawn He totally dug it. And Ohman. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Orbitz Insiders Profile Favorite Film Cities to Bring Travelers Closer to the Silver Screen Mar 20, 2008
San Francisco was the setting for the first "talking picture," the Jazz Singer, in 1927. More recently, films shot in San Francisco include Basic Instinct, Dirty Harry, The Joy Luck Club and The Rock, which extensively features Alcatraz Island. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
'Blade Runner' recognized Mar 17, 2008
Blade Runner also won awards for best "making of" documentary, best packaging and tied with The Jazz Singer: Three Disc Deluxe Edition for best video restoration. Warner Bros. (USA Today -- Tech)
Hustle and merlot Mar 16, 2008
At a friend's wedding last fall, I was talking with the jazz singer Mary Foster Conklin about the transformation we've seen over the past decade. "Do you think the city has lost its soul?" I asked her. (Boston Globe)
Coming attractions: Meloni hits Nickelodeon's 'Gym' Mar 15, 2008
He and Rubin first joined forces on 12 Songs, released in 2005 to widespread acclaim; Newsweek hailed it as "the best work Diamond has done in 30 years." It has sold 570,000 copies since entering Billboard at No. 4, his highest chart placement since 1980's The Jazz Singer. After completing ongoing sold-out dates in Europe, the singer plans to launch a U.S. tour this summer. (USA Today -- Life)
Surreal to reel Mar 1, 2008
"I don't want to compare myself to him - I don't want people to see me as this great genius - but when I see Charlie Chaplin's movies there is a combination of drama, naivety and social meaning that I can see in myself at a different level. Movies weren't international at the time Chaplin was making movies and I think that's why he wanted to push the silent movie as far as it could go, which was way beyond the beginning of the talkies. The talkies were a big regression, with very few exceptions:... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Music: Erich Wolfgang Korngold: A composer returns to the limelight Jan 15, 2008
Listening stations in each of the exhibit's eight rooms allow one to sample on headphones more than two hours of Korngold's music, though a piped-in song from Al Jolson's "The Jazz Singer" intrudes a bit on private listening. Jolson's pioneering movie, of course, pointed the way of the future for Korngold, who first went to Hollywood in 1934 to adapt Mendelssohn's music for Reinhardt's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Meanwhile, the rise of the Nazis resulted in a ban on his music in Germany. (International Herald Tribune)
Soundbytes: Top 10 Albums Of 2007 Jan 3, 2008
Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly likened the record's entry into the marketplace to the release of "The Jazz Singer," the first sound motion picture that essentially rang the death knell for the silent film era. But, if you'll forgive a broad statement of my own, 2007 won't be remembered as the beginning of the end or even the end of the beginning. (KIRO TV, WA)
Review: Run Hard To See 'Dewey Cox' Dec 23, 2007
This "biography" of a fictional music star gleefully parodies every other film in the genre, ranging from "Walk the Line," and "Ray," to "The Buddy Holly Story" and "The Jazz Singer." Even the Beatles animated movie, "Yellow Submarine" gets a poke. It starts with Dewey as an old man about to get his Lifetime Achievement award. (NBC4.tv, CA)
The Savages *** Dec 21, 2007
The film isn't as free of sentimentality as it pretends to be: Wendy's relationship with a saintly Nigerian nursing home worker feels contrived, and there's a distinctly sitcom-like sequence where they screen the father's favourite movie, The Jazz Singer, before an embarrassed mixed-race audience. Visually, it's no better than a decent television drama, offering a simple visual contrast between the candy-coloured Arizona desert community and rust-belt Buffalo in grim mid-winter. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Gin Joint History Dec 16, 2007
Step inside, however, and you're presented with a replica of a twisty wooden slide like the one once found at Coffee Dan's - the ham-and-egger that served hotcakes and coffee upstairs and whiskey down below (and also made an appearance in Al Jolson's "The Jazz Singer," one of the first talkies). Clubgoers can either take the slide - as a stay-at-home dad who regularly visits the city's playgrounds, I'd term it the fastest, creakiest, most dangerous contraption in all of San Francisco - or, if... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Hoffman, Linney ennoble The Savages Nov 28, 2007
Director Jenkins is a master of the awkward moment, from Jon and Wendys premature grazing at the snack table at a support group to the nursing-home screening of The Jazz Singer, which is a hit with Lenny but more than a bit awkward for the facilitys many African-American residents. The look on Hoffman and Linneys faces when they realize theyre showing a movie that involves blackface is exquisitely squirmy. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Don't look away Nov 12, 2007
CALL THE Department of Social Services van: I showed "The Jazz Singer" to my children ... By the time of "The Jazz Singer," though, minstrelsy had come to stand for something nostalgic, a warm signifier of the "old days" of American stage history before vaudeville and the movies ... To see "The Jazz Singer," then, is to bear witness to a stunningly busy canvas of ethnic imposture. (Boston Globe)
more » Nov 6, 2007
I even got to watch a restored version of the first talkie of The Jazz Singer with Al Jolson on a recent night. Anyway, on a recent night, I was watching an old picture when someone referred to someone who was dying of consumption. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
The remarkable trial of Richard Wills Nov 2, 2007
To borrow from Al Jolson in the original version of The Jazz Singer, the first feature-length movie made with snatches of audible dialogue, "Wait a minute, wait a minute - you ain't heard nothin' yet, folks.". Rick Wills is that punishingly loquacious fellow with the coffin-shaped head who last month spent 11-plus days in the witness stand, theoretically testifying in his own defence. (Globe and Mail -- National)
The voice of Andrew Carnegie Oct 30, 2007
Credit for its rediscovery and its restoration goes to 59-year-old Queens, N.Y., sound artist Art Shifrin, who in the early 1980s found a copy of the Carnegie clip in the archives of the Swedish Radio Company in Stockholm and then the original cylinder sound roll in the Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, N.J. What his work showed was that as early as 1913, Mr. Edison had been experimenting with the phonograph and the motion picture (two of his inventions) to create films -- 14 years... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
'You ain't heard nothin' yet!'Anniversary screening of early talking pic 'The Jazz Singer' at historic Loew's Oct 27, 2007
Anniversary screening of early talking pic 'The Jazz Singer' at historic Loew's ... Anniversary screening of early talking pic 'The Jazz Singer' at historic Loew's ... The Vitaphone sound-on-film process was used for motion pictures such as The Jazz Singer. (Union City Reporter, NJ)
Photo Gallery Oct 27, 2007
The Landmark Loews Jersey Theater in Jersey City on Nov. 10 will be holding an 80th anniversary screening of The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson, seen in still from the movie performing for his mother (Eugenie Besserer) ... Now in its 80th anniversary year, people will have an opportunity to view "The Jazz Singer" in one of its few screenings on the East Coast before year's end, when it shows at the historic Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre in Jersey City on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ... "The Jazz... (Jersey City Reporter, NJ)
The Jazz Singer Oct 21, 2007
The first full-length talkie is out on 3 disc DVD. Jolson sings again in the 80th anniversary edition of this seminal film. (Suite101.com)
A mighty message Oct 20, 2007
NEW THIS WEEK: Transformers n Grindhouse Presents: Planet Terror: Unrated n A Mighty Heart n The Invisible n The Jazz Singer (1927): Deluxe Edition. NEW LAST WEEK: Reign Over Me n 28 Weeks Later n Surf's Up n Evan Almighty. (Winnipeg Sun)
New on DVD: There's no 'Love' crazier than Riss and Pugach's Oct 19, 2007
By Mike Clark, USA TODAY The Jazz Singer 80th Anniversary Collector's Edition. 1/2 (out of four), 1927, Warner, unrated, $40. (USA Today -- Life)
'Transformers,' 'Planet Terror,' 'Mighty Heart' Oct 17, 2007
Among other extras are a new documentary on the transition from the silent era to sound pictures, commentary from film historians and Jolson's 1947 radio version of "The Jazz Singer." DVD set, $39. 92. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
On DVD: 'Transformers,' 'My Best Friend,' 'A Mighty Heart,' 'Hoax' Oct 17, 2007
80th anniversary edition of The Jazz Singer with Al Jolson the original talkie. The MGM Holiday Collection: A box holding The Bishop's Wife (1947), March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934) and Pocketful of Miracles (1961). (San Diego Union-Tribune)
New on DVD: Transformers, A Mighty Heart Oct 16, 2007
The Jazz SingerEighty years has flown by since Al Jolson told audiences, You aint heard nothing yet, ushering in the age of talking pictures ... Among other extras are a new documentary on the transition from the silent era to sound pictures, commentary from film historians and Jolsons 1947 radio version of The Jazz Singer. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Summer's 'Transformers' isn't transforming Oct 14, 2007
Movies: "Believers"; "The Company"; "Crazy Love"; "Havoc 2"; "Ice Spiders"; "The Invisible"; "The Jazz Singer"; "Jingle All the Way"; "Michael Moore Hates America"; "A Mighty Heart"; "Planet Terror"; "The Reaping"; "Return to House on Haunted Hill"; "Safe Harbour"; "The Trials of Darryl Hunt". Read Comments > | Share This Story. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
All That 'Jazz' Oct 14, 2007
Tuesday, the same studio releases a three-disc edition of "The Jazz Singer," the pioneering talkie that established Warners as a major Hollywood force. Starring Al Jolson as a young man who defies his father, a Jewish cantor, to become an entertainer, "The Jazz Singer" is a mostly silent drama ... Jolson's real life inspired the Broadway play on which"The Jazz Singer" was based, but he wasn't the Warners first, or even second, choice for the role. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Click for Full Story Oct 6, 2007
Eighty years ago in 1927, talking motion pictures arrived with the opening of The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson ... Today's Highlight in History:On October 6, 1927, the era of talking pictures arrived with the opening of "The Jazz Singer," a movie starring Al Jolson, which featured both silent and sound-synchronized scenes. (KWTX.com, TX)
Long-vacant Modern Theatre in Boston to house Suffolk University students Oct 4, 2007
The 1876 building, first used as a furniture store and turned into a "talkie" cinema just as Al Jolson brought sound to American movies in "The Jazz Singer" in 1928, is adjacent to 10 West St., which Suffolk also bought and is renovating for dorm space. "Doing the Modern will make West Street a more efficient building," Nucci said. (Boston Globe)
Talking twins, jazz, and heroes with Diana Krall Jul 12, 2007
The jazz singer, pianist, and wife of Elvis Costello gave birth to twin boys in December, and now she's back on the road, in a tour that lands at the Cape Cod Melody Tent tomorrow and the Bank of America Pavilion Saturday. The Berklee College of Music dropout is between albums right now -- her latest, "From This Moment On," came out last summer, and she has only just begun working on her next one -- so we decided to do what her publicist had politely asked us not to do: focus on her personal... (Boston Globe)
New Young Pony Club: Fantastic Playroom Jul 7, 2007
The jazz singer and author known as "Goodtime George" has died. We look back on his life in images. (Times Online)
A jazz singer of many talents Jul 7, 2007
George Melly, the jazz singer who has died at the age of 80, was a man who lived his life outrageously. He wore fedoras and deafeningly loud wide-striped suits; his sexual appetite was prodigious and included gay partners in the days when same-sex relationships were still illegal as well as bisexual and heterosexual lovers and two marriages; his appetite for alcohol was equally voracious and would have felled most men far younger; yet his excesses merely served to underline his wit,... (Financial Times)
Postal workers to strike again next Thursday Jul 6, 2007
Allan Leighton now has the opportunity to avoid more strikes simply by returning to meaningful negotiations," Dave Ward, the union's Deputy General Secretary, said. If he is again dismissive of his employees, then there will be further strikes. Mr Ward claimed that more than 95% of Royal Mail s workforce took part in last Friday's strike, which he said showed the overwhelming support for the union s campaign, however Royal Mail said backing for the walkout had been "patchy" and that 60% of its... (Times Online)
George Melly, the last king of the swingers, dies Jul 6, 2007
George Melly, the jazz singer, raconteur and author, has died at the age of 80 ... " The deathbed advice that a young George Melly received from his wool-trader father was: "Do what you want - I never did". And he followed it with unique aplomb. When the jazz singer himself died yesterday, at the age of 80, he had left few stones unturned, few avenues unexplored. Indeed, his life had been as large and flamboyant as any of the trademark double-breasted suits that he habitually wore on stage. Best... (Daily Mail)
Earthquake in Kent damages houses Jul 6, 2007
"My first thought was to grab on to the window sill but by that moment the tremors had started. Across Folkestone, the town worst hit, residents were baffled as to what was happening as their houses shook, plaster came down from the ceilings and ornaments fell from sideboards. Some thought their homes had been hit by a runaway vehicle, others that there had been an attack on the Channel tunnel. Paul Stanhope, 31, who lives in Pavilion Road with his girlfriend and two children, said: The bed was... (Yahoo News -- Earthquakes & Volcanoes)
Larry Doby: Proud to bat 2nd Jul 5, 2007
The Perfect Crime (1928): Second movie with dialogue, behind Al Jolson's The Jazz Singer. Clarence Duncan Chamberlin: Second, after Charles Lindbergh, to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Connick honoured at Montreal jazz festival Jul 3, 2007
The jazz singer and actor was given the Ella Fitzgerald award at this year's edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival, which runs until July 8. Connick plays the Montreal festival today. (Edmonton Sun)
A Niche Strategy Now Under Stress Jun 6, 2007
Della Reese, the jazz singer and actress, seemed a natural choice to star in ads for Avandia, when Glaxo signed her on in 2004. Not only does Ms. Reese have broad appeal, known most recently for her role in the television series ;Touched by an Angel,; but she has Type 2 diabetes. (Shoals TimesDaily)
Walt Disney the Early Days May 30, 2007
Following the success of The Jazz Singer in 1927 Disney realised the potential for sound motion pictures and quickly produced Steamboat Willie but the mischievous , introduced in 1928, took the world by storm. In Plane Crazy and Gallopin' Gaucho Disney himself provided the voice of Mickey. (Suite101.com)
Walt Disney Academy Award Winner May 30, 2007
With the success of the mischievous Mickey Mouse in Plane Crazy and Gallopin' Gaucho in the late 1920s and the award of an Oscar in 1929 for The Jazz Singer, was firmly established as a successful sound motion picture pioneer. His success continued to grow throughout the 1930s. (Suite101.com)
Asian celebs dazzle on French shores May 18, 2007
Norah Jones, the jazz singer and star of My Blueberry Nights alongside Jude Law, is half Asian as her father is noted Indian musician Ravi Shanker. In the film, Norah plays a heartbroken New York girl, who goes on a cross-country trip after being ditched by her boyfriend. (Electric New Paper)
Things to do May 5, 2007
Karen Marguth1-4 p.m. Sunday / 2658 E. Alluvial Ave., (866) 246-7717After performing at the Rogue Festival, the jazz singer takes the stage backed by members from Stolen Thunder for the groundbreaking ceremony of Fresno Cohousing's Celebration of Community. The community will consist of 28 private homes with shared common facilities where residents socialize. (Fresno Bee)
Witness Preparation Becomes Oversight Apr 4, 2007
During just one year, the first talking picture (The Jazz Singer) and the Academy Awards debuted, Babe Ruth hit 60 homers (more than any other American League team), Charles Lindbergh soloed from New York to Paris, the Russian communists kicked Trotsky out of their party, Sacco and Vanzetti were electrocuted, the Holland Tunnel opened, Peking man s remains were found and electronic television was born. This year was 1927. (Human Events Online)
When Betty Got Frank Apr 3, 2007
Like the cantor's son in The Jazz Singer, or pert Owl Jolson in the Tex Avery cartoon I Love to Sing-a, he had to battle his family's resistance to mainstream pop. Indeed, Loesser's nearly operatic score for The Most Happy Fella might have been his way of saying, Papa, can you hear it. Arthur, can you see it. (Time.com)
Every generation faces a different set of challenges Mar 18, 2007
When my mom was about 10, the first talking movie, "The Jazz Singer," was released. In the old days there were no computers, no Internet, no cell phones, no MP3 players, or any of the myriad of technological advances that we deem necessary today. (Pensacola News Journal)
Sir Philip throws 6m birthday party Mar 17, 2007
The revellers were also serenaded by Roberta Flack, best-known for her 1973 hit Killing Me Softly, the American soul singer James Ingram, and the jazz singer Patti Austin. Jilly Johnson, the former Page 3 girl, Eddie Jordan, the Formula 1 boss, and Charles Dunstone, the Carphone Warehouse owner, who were pictured at Stansted airport, were also thought to be amongst the guests. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Lights, camera … silence Jan 29, 2007
It is 80 years since Al Jolson uttered the immortal words "You ain't seen nothin' yet" in The Jazz Singer, the talkie that ended the silent movie era. Now, as cinema moves into the digital age, a curious thing is happening - silent films are having a revival. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Opening night at Fox Theatre Jan 28, 2007
It was a hurried-up job as they wanted to open before Christmas and introduce the "talkies" with Al Jolson singing in "The Jazz Singer.". There were new Fox Theatres in Fresno, Visalia, Hanford and other places. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Verdict? Punters vote with their seats Jan 26, 2007
Linehan does not shy away from arguments that he mismatched some performers and venues or, moreover, that he neglected opera and classical music in favour of populist musical fare, such as Stomp's big noise machine, or presenting the jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux at the cavernous State Theatre, even though she was on tour here recently. "It's a question of focus and how you can best make classical music fit," he said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
France's arbiters of high art anoint animator Walt Disney's 'genius' Jan 16, 2007
This month, a tap-dancing musical honoring Josephine Baker's 100th birthday just closed; the jazz singer was born in St. Louis but felt most at home in the Paris of the late 1920s. "Looking for Josephine" travels to Barcelona and then to New Orleans, La. (Christian Science Monitor)
