Asa Jolson was an American singer, comedian, and actor who is widely considered to be one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century. His real first name was ASA Yoelson, and he was born in 1886 in Seredžius, Lithuania. He was known for his unique singing style, which combined elements of blackface minstrelsy and Yiddish theater. He was also the first performer to ever sing a song on the radio. Jolson's career spanned over five decades, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.