Al Jolson was an influential American singer, comedian, and actor known for his dynamic 'Jazz Singer' performance in 1927, widely considered the first feature-length sound film. His vocal style was characterized by a powerful, emotive delivery that set the groundwork for future pop music vocalists. Jolson's extensive repertoire, which included jazz, pop, and Broadway songs, was significant for introducing African-American musical innovations to white audiences. Despite considerable controversy over his use of blackface, his contributions to music and film have left a lasting legacy.