Al Jolson was an American actor, comedian and singer. Until his death in the year 1950, he was dubbed by many people to be the "World's Greatest Entertainer.
He died due to kidney failure,because of mega-dosing with Bi-carbonate of soda. This was finally determined by Medical researchers.He evidently suffered with GERD,and before his performances, being nervous, acid[?] would give him great discomfort.To alleviate it, about the only remedy in those days was Bi-carb. He would take large amounts, and this made his system highly Alkaline,and it destroyed his kidneys . Harold