The first commercial exhibition of films with truly synchronized sound took place in the United States in April 1923. In the early years after the introduction of sound, such films that incorporated live-recorded dialogue and singing were known as "talking pictures," or "talkies." The first feature-length movie originally conceived and shot as a talkie was The Jazz Singer, released in October 1927. The Jazz Singer is a 1927 U.S. Movie musical, notable for being the first feature-length motion picture with talking sequences. Released by Warner Bros., it was directed by Alan Crosland and starred Al Jolson, who sings five songs. Asa "Al Jolson" Yoelson (born to Jewish immigrants Moshe Reuben Yoelson and Naomi Etta Cantor - the original family name was Hesselson - in Sered�ius, Lithuania on May 26, 1885 or 1886, and died in San Francisco, California on October 23, 1950) was an acclaimed American singer and actor whose career lasted from 1911 until his death in 1950. He was one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century whose influence extended to other popular performers, including Bing Crosby and Eddie Fisher.
