George Jessel
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George Albert Jessel
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Apr 03 1898 – May 23 1981 age 83
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Official Site
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April 4th, 1948, possibly the most stellar and uproarious after-dinner roast ever recorded. Honoring Jessel on his 50th birthday are fellow Friars Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Danny Kaye, George Burns, Pat O'Brien, Bob Hope, Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, and in rare, live, vocal and comedic form, Al Jolson. Jessel's 'Guest of Honor' acceptance speech is eloquent and hilarious beyond belief, possibly the sublimest public utterance ever by 'America's Toastmaster General.' 
The roast took place at The Biltmore Bowl, The Biltmore Hotel in Hollywood. Al Jolson refers to the Chinese as "Chinks" and sings, "My Mother's Eyes" (Jessel must have loved that!), "Easter Bonnet" and "The Nearest Thing To Heaven." George Jessel responds. Jack Benny (toastmaster), Mark Warnow (composer), Eddie Cantor, Danny Kaye, Samuel Goldwyn, George Burns, Pat O'Brien, Louis B. Mayer, Bob Hope, Goodwin Knight (Lieutenant Governor, California), Fletcher Bowron (Mayor of Los Angeles), Al Jolson, George Jessel.
Here's To The Friars (Men's Chorus, Invocation By Ronald Reagan)The Jessel Cantata (Men's Chorus)
The Toastmaster: Jack Benny
Eddie Cantor
Danny Kaye
Samuel Goldwyn
George Burns
A Word About Jessel
Pat O'Brien
Louis B. Mayer
Bob Hope
California Lt. Gov. Goodwin Knight
Los Angeles Mayor Fletcher Bowran
Al Jolson Speech And Songs: My Mother's Eyes
Al Jolson Speech And Songs: Ester Parade
Al Jolson Speech And Songs: Nearest Things To Heaven
George Jessel
Conclusion
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Stand-up
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Enjoy!
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