The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #29056   Message #4048454
Posted By: Joe Offer
25-Apr-20 - 06:34 PM
Thread Name: Bobby-Sox Alert -Santa Catalina Songs
Subject: ADDPOP: Avalon (Jolson & Rose)
The only incorporated city on Catalina Island is Avalon (population 3,728), built as a resort in the late 19th century. Half of the city burned in 1915, and chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr., bought out a controlling interest in the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1919. Avalon, of course, plays an important part in the story of King Arthur.


In 1920, the song "Avalon", which directly references the town of Avalon on the island, was popularized by Al Jolson. Here's the famous Benny Goodman recording:

And here's the Al Jolson recording:

I found my love at Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love at Avalon
And sailed away
I dream of him at Avalon
From dusk until dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Av-va-lon

Yes I found my love at Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love at Avalon
And sailed away
Oh I, dream of him at Avalon
From dusk until dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Av... va-lon...

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: B G Desylva / A Jolson / V Rose



More complete lyrics from Wikisource:

AVALON
(Al Jolson and Vincent Rose, 1920)

[Verse]

Ev'ry morning mem'ries stray
Across the sea where flying fishes play
And as the night is falling
I find that I'm recalling
That blissful all enthralling day
[Chorus]

I found my love in Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love in Avalon
And sail'd away
I dream of her and Avalon
From dusk 'til dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Avalon
[Verse]

Just before I sail'd away
She said the word I long'd to hear her say
I tenderly caress'd her
Close to my heart I press'd her
Upon that golden yesterday
[Chorus]

I found my love in Avalon
Beside the bay
I left my love in Avalon
And sail'd away
I dream of her and Avalon
From dusk 'til dawn
And so I think I'll travel on
To Avalon