Bing Crosby

A Musical Icon

Early Life and Background

Born on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby Jr. grew up in Spokane. The fourth of seven children, Bing was nicknamed after a comic strip character, “Bingo.” His love for music began during his childhood, and he played drums in high school before shifting focus to his smooth baritone voice, a defining feature of his career.

Rise to Fame

Crosby’s big break came in the late 1920s when he joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra and later became a part of the Rhythm Boys trio. In 1931, he launched his solo career, quickly becoming one of the first multimedia stars, excelling in recording, film, and radio.

1931: Released his first solo hit, I Found a Million Dollar Baby.
1934: Starred in his first major film, She Loves Me Not.
1942: Recorded White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin, which became the best-selling single of all time, with over 50 million copies sold.

Where the Blue of the Night (Remastered)

Sweet and Lovely (Remastered)

Dinah (Remastered)

Shine (Remastered)

Sweet Georgia Brown (Remastered)

Cabin in the Cotton (Remastered)

Some of These Days (Remastered)

You Are Beatiful Tonight, My Dear (Remastered)

You're Getting To Be a Habit with Me (Remastered)

You've Got Me Crying Again (Remastered)

Temptation (Remastered)

May I (Remastered)

June in January (Remastered)

With Every Breath I Take (Remastered)

Mr Gallagher and Mr Shean (Remastered)

Milestones in Entertainment

Bing Crosby was a pioneer in many aspects of entertainment:

Radio: Hosted his own show, The Kraft Music Hall, for over a decade.
Film: Appeared in over 70 films, including the Oscar-winning Going My Way (1944), where he portrayed Father Chuck O’Malley.
Television: Embraced the emerging medium of TV in the 1950s, further cementing his legacy.

Innovations in Music

Crosby’s collaboration with audio engineer Jack Mullin revolutionized the recording industry. By adopting magnetic tape recording, he improved sound quality and introduced the ability to edit and pre-record radio shows.

Social Impact and Legacy

Cultural Influence: Crosby’s easy-going persona and timeless music brought comfort to millions, particularly during World War II, when his USO tours boosted troop morale.
Diversity in Music: He collaborated with numerous African American artists, including Louis Armstrong, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
Philanthropy: Supported numerous charitable causes, including his alma mater, Gonzaga University, which named a theater in his honor.
Global Reach: His music bridged cultural gaps, making him one of the first truly international pop icons.

Personal Life

Crosby married twice: first to actress Dixie Lee, with whom he had four sons, and later to actress Kathryn Grant, with whom he had three children. His family life was a blend of joy and challenges, as seen in both his public and private struggles.

Awards and Recognition

Bing Crosby received countless accolades during his lifetime:

Academy Award: Best Actor for Going My Way (1944).
Grammy Hall of Fame: Multiple inductions for classic recordings.
Kennedy Center Honors: Posthumous recognition in 1977 for his cultural contributions.

Lasting Influence

Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, but his legacy endures. His influence on modern pop music, film, and broadcasting remains unparalleled, inspiring generations of artists.

Official YouTube Page for BING CROSBY:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBR-PYmU1mo2FMNzYZjYEg

References:

Giddins, Gary. Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams. Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Dyer, Richard. Stars. British Film Institute, 1979.
Crosby, Kathryn. My Life with Bing. Peachtree Publishers, 1983.