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Billed as the "Worlds Greatest Entertainer, Al Jolson was born May 26, 1886. Michael Freedland wrote, "they turned out the lights of Broadway," October 23, 1950, when this Show Business great died. Such was the spirit, the persona, the power of " Jolie".
Julius "Lou LaSota" Nowocien of Tonawanda, NY died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 after a brief illness. A long-time entertainer, he was known as Lou LaSota and impersonated his life-long idol, Al Jolson.
LaSota performed in many restaurants and nightspots throughout the greater Western New York area including "Johnnie's Old Timer Saloon in Tonawanda & Kenmore and the Ship N Shor Restaurant in Pendleton. His stage presence, vocals and delivery made his love for Jolson evident in every performance. He revived that Jolson feeling in the hearts of those familiar with the legendary Jolie and introduced Jolson and his songs to many who never heard of Jolie.
Nowocien was a US Army veteran of World War II and survived by his wife, Barbara, as well as children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
It's not too difficult to recall when I first discovered Jolson. I may not remember the date, but it began when I was about 10, with "The Jolson Story," and hasn't slowed since. After that it was "Jolson Sings Again" and then, seeing Al himself in "Go Into Your Dance," with Ruby Keeler, convinced me I was a life-long Jolson fan!
Jolson's name will always live on, not only because of the first "talkie" The Jazz Singer, but because of his talent before an audience. He possessed a magic that could warm a crowd and have them hang on his every note, his every word, his every "You ain't heard nothin' yet!"
pajpolka@verizon.net