Avalon

Al Jolson

About Avalon

"Avalon" is a 1920 popular song written by Al Jolson, Buddy DeSylva and Vincent Rose referencing Avalon, California. It was introduced by Jolson and interpolated in the musicals Sinbad and Bombo. Jolson's recording rose to number two on the charts in 1921. The song was possibly written by Rose, but Jolson's popularity as a performer allowed him to claim composer co-credit. Originally, only Rose and Jolson were credited, and DeSylva's name was added later. A popular jazz standard, the song has been recorded by many artists, including Cab Calloway (1934), Coleman Hawkins (1935) and Eddie Durham (1936). The Benny Goodman Quartet played the song in their famous 1938 Carnegie Hall concert. The tune remains popular in the gypsy jazz repertoire, having been performed by Wawau Adler and others. The tune's opening melody resembles a part of Giacomo Puccini's aria E lucevan le stelle, from the opera Tosca, but in the major key. Puccini's publishers sued the song's composers in 1921 for use of the melody, and were awarded $25,000 and all subsequent royalties of the song by the court. 


Year:
2003
2:17
47 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I found my love in Avalon
Beside the bay.
I left my love in Avalon
And I sailed away.
I dream of her in Avalon
From dusk till dawn.
So I think I'll travel on
To Avalon.

Every morn' my memories stray
Across the sea where flying fishes play.
And as the night is falling
I find that I'm recalling
That blissful all-enthralling day.

Beside the bay.
And I sailed away.
I dream of her in Avalon
From dusk till dawn.
So I think I'll travel on
To Avalon.

 Struggling with Avalon? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Al Jolson

Al Jolson (born Asa Yoelson) (May 26, 1886 – October 23, 1950) was an American singer, comedian, and actor of Jewish descent. In his heyday, he was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer". more »

3 fans

Written by: Juliet Stephanie Richardson, Stuart David Price

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Writer
"Avalon" is a popular 1920s song written by Al Jolson, Buddy DeSylva and Vincent Rose. It is connected with the Broadway musical "Sinbad", where it was first performed by Al Jolson.
Singer
Al Jolson rose to fame through performing in blackface, a controversial and often criticized style of entertainment at the time.
Co-Performer
Cab Calloway, another critically acclaimed singer from the Jazz Age, also had performances of this song, bringing a unique energy to it.
Style
Jolson's rendition of "Avalon" is known for its smooth and affecting expression, while Calloway's version is renowned for its vigorous and animated presentation.
Plagiarism Case
The composers of "Avalon" faced a lawsuit for possible copyright infringement because the song bore striking similarities to a work by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. They lost the case and had to pay damages to Puccini’s publisher.
Influence
Despite the case, "Avalon" became a standard in the Jazz music world and many established musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and Ella Fitzgerald, have covered it.
Popularity
It has been one of Al Jolson's most successful chart hits, reaching number 2 on Billboard Magazine's charts in 1921.
Cultural Context
The song's title, "Avalon", refers to Avalon, a city situated on Santa Catalina Island, off the coast of California. This venue was a popular getaway destination for Hollywood celebrities during the 1920s when the song was written.
Film Appearance
The song is featured in the 1946 biographical movie "The Jolson Story", where it is performed by Larry Parks, dubbing Al Jolson's voice.
Recognition
In 1998, "Avalon" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, signifying its historical and cultural relevance.

Discuss the Avalon Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Avalon Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6577397/Al+Jolson/Avalon>.

    Missing lyrics by Al Jolson?

    Know any other songs by Al Jolson? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Avalon

    48,351
    269     3

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Devil Woman was a hit for Cliff Richard in what year?
    A 1976
    B 1975
    C 1977
    D 1978

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Al Jolson tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Avalon

    »