- Elvis Presley has said that Jolson was his idol and he recorded "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", one of Jolson's last recordings, in tribute.
- He once entered a sound-a-like contest and as a joke sang as a sound-a-like for himself. He came third.
- First musical artist to sell over 10 million copies.
- Was close friends with Bing Crosby and became a regular guest on Crosby's radio show.
- Adopted children (with Erle): Asa Jr (b. 1948), Alicia (b. 1949) Adopted son (with Ruby): Al Jr (b. 1935).
- On August 11, 2006, in recognition of his generosity, talent, and the magnitude of his stardom, the City of New York re-named the block of Broadway that runs past the Winter Garden Theater, unveiling a street sign reading: "Al Jolson Way".
- Has one of the most elaborate burial sites in the United States. It is so large that it can be seen from the 405 (San Diego Freeway) in Culver City. The memorial which is central to the entire park consists of a large canopy supported by six enormous white stone columns with a series of terraced blue tiled cascading waterfalls. Beneath the canopy is Mr. Jolson's black marble sarcophagus and to the side a three foot bronzed statue of the entertainer which is in his famous kneeling position - the "Mammy pose". The ceiling of the canopy has a large mosaic of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. Cascading next to the waterfalls various flowers, shrubs and trees enhance this already magnificent burial site. There is also a marble meditation bench where you can sit and take in the breathtaking splendor of the Jolson memorial as well as the beautifully manicured grounds of Hillside Memorial Park.
- Died while playing cards in his suite at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, California.
- He failed the first screen test to portray himself in Jolson Sings Again (1949) which was attributed to his age 63, at that time. Larry Parks won the role.
- Had 150 overcoats in his closet when he died.
- A staunch supporter of the Republican Party, he wrote the theme song for the 1924 presidential campaign, "Keep Cool with Coolidge".
- Played a critical part in the film careers of James Cagney and Joan Blondell. Jolson owned the rights to Marie Baumer's play, "Penny Arcade" and insisted that Warner Brothers retain the two lead actors in the film version, retitled Sinners' Holiday (1930). Ironically, Cagney would never meet his benefactor, although he later starred with Jolson's then-wife Ruby Keeler in Footlight Parade (1933).
- Portrayed by Larry Parks twice, first in The Jolson Story (1946) and then in Jolson Sings Again (1949).
- In a recently released 1918 draft card, Jolson gives his name as "Albert Jolson".
- He was awarded 3 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for Motion Pictures at 6622 Hollywood Boulevard; for Radio at 6750 Hollywood Boulevard; and for Recording at 1716 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
- There is a sign at Broadway and 51st Street naming it Al Jolson Way.
- His life story is told in the stage show "Jolson" on the West End stage starring Brian Conley.
- Wrote the theme song for the 1920 Warren G. Harding-Calvin Coolidge Republican campaign, "Harding, You're the Man for Us!".
- His granddaughter Kate Jolson was a tennis star at Beverly Hills High School.
- Interred at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City, California, USA.
- His life story told in 1999 musical "Jolson & Co.", premiered off Broadway; York Theater Company production.
- Brother of vaudeville entertainer Harry Jolson [1882-1953].
- In 1938 he was elected honorary Mayor of Encino, California.
- He is mentioned in The Proclaimers "I'm On My Way".
- Is mentioned by name in Sylvie Vartan's song "Je chante pour Swanee" (I Sing for Swanee).
- Distant cousin of Dave Ehrman.
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