Artist Info: Al Bernard

Al Bernard was a great historic recording artist from the vaudeville era. He was also one of the most famous blackface performers from the days of the minstrel shows. Yet his work has also been reappraised by music historians who feel links exist between minstrel show styles and more modern forms of popular music, such as musical theater, jazz and western swing music. Known as "the boy from Dixie" in much of his promotion, Bernard's biggest hit was the clutchy "I Want to Hold You in My Arms" [read more...]