Asa Yoelson-Al Jolson was born in Lithuania. He changed his name to Al Jolson once he started to perform. Jolson was a celebrated singer and dancer on Broadway prior to gaining worldwide fame as the star of "The Jazz Singer". This 1927 film signaled the transition from silent pictures to sound. Known as "The World's Greatest Entertainer," Jolson's legacy is complicated by the modern-day controversy over his frequent use of blackface. Jolson extended his career by becoming a popular recording star and the singing host of radio shows. He saw his life celebrated in the 1946 movie musical "The Jolson Story." In this photograph, Jolson looks directly at the camera. Hixon artistically altered Jolson's eyes by emphasizing them with dark markings that outline his brow and eyelids.