Clive Baldwin’s Jolson Show

Clive Baldwin – The World’s Greatest Minstrel

On 23rd October, 1950 the life of Al Jolson ended but the legend lives on!

Now, more than fifty years on, the Jolson movement is stronger than ever; the long-standing devotion of his legions of admirers and the various Jolson Societies have contributed to this over the years, as have the continuous sales of his record albums and regular TV screenings of his biographical movies. But one man must be credited above all others for preserving the image of that wonderful entertainer – a man who has devoted his life to the presentation of the Jolson style and sound, now internationally acclaimed as ‘The Worlds Greatest Minstrel’ – Clive Baldwin.

Much has already been said and written about his amazing resemblance to Al Jolson both in singing and speaking, as well as the uncanny stage appearance which brings back the very image of ‘Jolie’ in his prime. Even the famous Jolson whistle and the short bursts of eccentric dancing are performed with amazing accuracy. When you’re ‘steppin out’ with Clive Baldwin you experience a memorable trip into a bygone era and had Clive been performing in the heyday of Jolson, Eddie Cantor and George Cohan his name would undoubtedly now be enshrined amongst those showbiz legends.

Born in the UK, but resident in the USA since the early 60’s, Clive co-starred with Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor in ‘The Last Great Vaudeville Show’ and with Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Fred Astaire and Angela Lansbury on the ‘Tony Awards Salute to Al Jolson’ from New Yorks Winter Garden Theatre, Seasons at Broadways Roseland Theatre and the world famous Rainbow Grill followed.

He also co-starred in the Broadway production of ‘Legends in Concert’ and in the pre-Broadway run of ‘Jolson’ at the State Theatre of New Jersey.

In his one-man show "An Evening with Al Jolson, starring Clive Baldwin’, Clive attracted the attention of the producers of ‘Ziegfield Follies’ who subsequently cast him in the role of Jolson at the renowned ‘Harrahs Broadway by the Bay’ in Atlantic City.

Clive has headlined at every major Catskill Mountains resort and topped the bill at just about every major theatre, cabaret and nightclub throughout the USA and Canada.

Australian Tours every 18 months since 1980 and starring roles in the Musical Revues ‘Southern Exposure’ and ‘The Worlds Greatest Minstrel’ have established Clive as a great favourite ‘Down Under’

Clive Baldwin has, in fact, become a firm favourite in many lands, having toured extensively throughout the English speaking countries of the world. Whether it’s the UK, Canada or Australia, the audiences agree – to see Clive is the nearest thing to seeing a live Al Jolson. Clive’s ‘Citizen’ Watch commercial in which he sings ‘A Quarter to Nine’ won an ‘Obie’ earning him the ‘Million Dollar Salesman of the Year’ award.

Erle Krasna, widow of the late Al Jolson is amazed at the similarity in their vocals and is one of Clive’s biggest fans. Ruby Keeler – who was previously married to Al Jolson – commented on national TV "that Clive guy from England sounds just like him, even to the fascinating bird whistle".

Recognised as "The Living Voice of Al Jolson" and as the best Jolson performer of all time, Clive Baldwin has surely earned the title "The Worlds Greatest Minstrel". Take a walk into the past – you won’t believe your ears as Jolson lives on and not merely in the hearts and minds of his myriad of fans worldwide.

You’d better believe it – you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!