how may i contact this singer in order to see him perform? The last
place i knew he was performing was miami.

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Request for Question Clarification by johnny_phoenix-ga on 25 Nov 2002 07:29 PST

As Nellie and Probonopublico point out, The great Norman Brooks is no
longer performing. However I do have information on another tributee
who was groomed partly by Norman Brooks and details of an Al Jolson
Festival that he will be involved in next year.

Would you accept that as an answer ?

---

Clarification of Question by jrylee-ga on 27 Nov 2002 15:21 PST

yes i will accept name and how to contact of new al jolson prodigy
partially trained by norman brooks as wel as information on al jolson
festival

Hi, jrylee

As per my question clarification, I have found a Mr Tony Babino, who
by all accounts is an excellent (and more pointedly current) Al Jolson
memorializer.

Tony Babino
http://www.jolson.org/stage/voice/tb/tb.html

On his page, you will see some links so that you can hear him sing
"You Made Me Love you" and "I'm Sitting On Top Of The World".

He entertained at the 2001 International Al Jolson Society New York
Festival to rave review.

Al Jolson Society Festival
http://www.jolson.org/iajs/nyc01/tonyb.html

Mr Babino will also be appearing at the 2003 Al Jolson Festival aboard
the RMS Queen Mary:  May 15-18 2003

Ship to Shore
http://shiptoshorejolson.tripod.com/

However, on looking at the schedule for the event, It mentions him
being the guest only on the 16 May 2003. Therefore, If you were not
intending to enjoy the full event, be sure that you get a ticket for
the right day.

I would imagine that if you were interested in going you would be
ringing them for further details anyway but the schedule of the event
is here.

Schedule of Festival
http://shiptoshorejolson.tripod.com/schedule.htm

Additional Links
****************
I found this forum, where Jolson Fans, discuss Tony Babino in a very
favourable light, he does come out under Norman Brooks, but I have
heard Norman Brooks and can't see anyone but big Al himself beating
him ever.

The subscribers to the forum rate Mr Babino very highly indeed as you
will see from reading the threads which also throw a few more names
into the hat for a fan like yourself.

Discussion Forum
http://forums.delphiforums.com/aljolson/messages/?msg=472

Search Key
**********
"Al Jolson","Tribute Acts","Immortalizers","Al Jolson Festival"


I hope this helps and if you get a chance to go to the festival, I
hope you have a great time.

Johnny Phoenix.

I'm sorry to report that I've not been able to find any indication
that Norman Brooks is still performing.

Perhaps another researcher will have more luck.

Nellie Bly

Having been born in 1928, it's likely that he's given up performing.
There are not many 74 year-olds who can still belt out those Swanees
and Rock-a-byes.

yes

There's also Alec Baldwin, an Englishman, who travels widely.

I saw him a few years ago in London and he's good.

He even does the 'Jolson Shuffle' which (apparently) eluded Larry Parks.

CORRECTION:

It's Clive Baldwin!