Skip to main content

Correction

July 2026
1min read

Mr. Yagoda in his very interesting “Lullaby of Tin Pan Alley” (October/ November 1983) tells us Al Jolson was snatched from a “Lower East Side Synagogue” to become a song plugger. Asa Yoelson came to this country from Russia at age four and settled with his family in Washington, D.C. Asa was snatched from a lower southwest Washington, D.C., synagogue to begin his journey to fame. Just like the Irish and Italians, not all Jewish immigrants getting off boats settled in New York City.

Help us tell the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive.
Donate