Overdue Tribute to Bing
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This tribute was written as an "Editor's Notebook" for The Hour newspaper of Norwalk, Conn., on Dec. 23, 1994. Bing's family celebrated the 30th anniversary of his death with the launching of a new website, bingcrosby.com, on Oct. 14, 2007, the date on which he died in 1977 after completing a round of golf in Spain. For the uninitiated, Bing made the most popular record ever, "White Christmas," and had more charted records than anyone (396), and that includes Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and the Beatles. The Tacoma, Wash., native had 38 No. 1 hits and won a Best Actor Oscar for "Going My Way," one of some five dozen movies in which he starred. He was a major radio and television star for some 30 years. Contemporary youngsters may only know "Der Bingle" from his duet with David Bowie, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy," but extensive information on him can be found at the Bing Crosby Internet Museum.
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby, who lent his melodic voice, underrated acting talents and devil-may-care attitude to the world for more than five decades, once again brightens the holiday season with his ubiquitous "White Christmas."
The man who "crooned" his way into the hearts of millions in "Pennies From Heaven" in the mid-'30s was "Swinging on a Star" by the '40s. His "White Christmas" inspired GI's on the battlefields of World War II as well as their loved ones at home.
But Crosby was no ordinary singer -- and it would be a shame if we were to allow his talents to go the way of Russ Columbo, Morton Downey, Rudy Vallee and Al Jolson.
"Der Bingle," -- a nickname he got from the German soldiers who picked up his broadcasts to the Allies -- deserves not to be forgotten.
Crosby was the acknowledged precursor of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como and Mel Torme (who is doing his own tribute to Bing and his music) among others. His easygoing crooning style was sometimes panned by musical technicians, but the "Father O'Malley" of "The Bells of St. Mary's" joined in song with virtually "everyone who was anyone" throughout his long, successful career.
Bing not only sang with all the great vocalists of his time, including the tuneful Andrews Sisters, but was known for his wide-ranging repertoire; his hit songs included country and western, Hawaiian and jazz, in addition to pop music. Over five decades he recorded, (largely) on the old Decca label, more than 2,400 songs.
While "White Christmas" is widely believed to be his largest selling record, Bing once pointed out that his recording of "Silent Night" actually was No. 1 in sales. Bing donated all the proceeds of (that) song to charity.
Perhaps one reason that Bing's music is not widely promoted these days (as are those of Sinatra) is that much of his best work was done in the days before high fidelity and CDs, although (many) technically enhanced tapes and (CDs) are available. Also, Bing was a self-effacing man who thought of himself as nothing special, just a singer. Not unlike the character he portrayed throughout his career, he was more interested in golf and fishing than in promoting his career.
Bing loved singing, but his friends say that he was rarely happier than when he was playing golf (He was a low handicapper) or casting a fishing line in some remote part of the world. For many years, until his death at (74) in 1977, he was host of the Crosby "Clambake," a pro-am tournament held annually at Pebble Beach.
Few people realize that Bing starred in nearly five dozen movies, beginning with a few Mack Sennett comedies and ending with a character in one of the "Stagecoach" remakes. He also had his own television (and radio) shows, and for several years hosted a family Christmas Special.
He's famous, of course, for the seven "road" pictures he made with a guy named Bob Hope, but he reached his zenith in 1944 with his Oscar-winning role in "Going My Way."
Aside from the light-hearted parts he played in many movies, Bing showed true talent as an actor in several serious roles, including "The Country Girl" with William Holden and Grace Kelly.
Sadly, Bing's reputation has taken a beating since his death, most notably through a book by his son, Gary, who portrayed Bing as such a strict disciplinarian that he brutalized the children he fathered with Dixie Lee, his first wife. Bing was described once as a "fallen down drunk" when he first hit the limelight in the late '20s when he (and the Rhythm Boys) split with the biggest band leader of the time, Paul Whiteman.
Notwithstanding those allegations, Bing was loved by millions around the world and could warm the coldest heart with that great baritone voice. In my opinion, he had no equal.
I would hope that after three decades of loud, cacophonous "music," the youngsters of today might be ready for a return to sanity -- a return to truly good music.
And, in my book, there is no better music than that left to us by Bing Crosby.
Having retired from The Hour in 2000, I now write my views on a wide variety of topics on HubPages. You can, too. It's easy, and free! Get paid for writing about what you love, or whatever interests you. HubPages makes the technical part easy. Make friends and get help on its active forum. Take a quick tour to see how easy it is. To get started today Click Here -- To view my HubPages Profile Click Here
Have You Seen the new colorized version of "Holiday Inn"?
See results without votingMore about Bing Crosby, with videos, on my blog:
Easter Parade -- Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby - Just a Gigolo (Casucci), 1931
- Want a white Christmas? Blame Santa, Scrooge and BingThe Buffalo News4 hours ago
Bing Crosby didn't have to dream of a white Christmas-- he could bank on it.
- KUUR gets into the spiritThe Aspen Times45 minutes ago
ASPEN - Aspen-based FM radio station KUUR, "Your Radio," has geared up for the holiday season and will go full-blown with seasonal-music only from Dec. 14-25 with its "12 Days of Christmas Music." For the time being, Christmas classics such as Bing Crosby's "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," The Carpenter's "Merry Christmas Darling," and Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad," are being ...
- Longing for white Christmas provokes flurry of theoriesThe Toledo Blade30 hours ago
ASSOCIATED PRESS SPOKANE - Bing Crosby didn't have to dream of a white Christmas - he could bank on it. The crooner was from Spokane, a city in Washington state that is among the most likely to have a white Christmas each year. According to weather experts, Spokane has a white Christmas about 70 percent of the time. In the United States, only a few high-latitude cities beat those odds. Duluth ...
- Traditional Christmas of white only in songs, cardsThe Washington Times29 hours ago
Bing Crosby didn't have to dream of a white Christmas — he could bank on it. The crooner was from Spokane, Wash., a city that is among the most likely to have a white Christmas each year. According to weather experts, Spokane has a white Christmas about 70 percent of the time. In the United States, only a few high-latitude cities beat those odds: Duluth, Minn. (97 percent); Anchorage, Alaska ...
- Carols in the airChicago Sun-Times2 days ago
Viewers of a certain age remember when December was flush with TV Christmas specials starring Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash , Andy Williams and the like. While those days are gone forever, the variety extravaganzas are making a little comeback this season, and they come not from American icons, but from " American Idol ."
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Comments
Thank You for recognizing Bing in this wonderful article.
<>I was sorely disappointed by the lack of coverage concerning the 30th anniversary of Bing's passing. Thanks for giving this wonderful entertainer a mention. I'm 21 and would much rather listen to Bing's glorious voice than whatever "music" is currently making the rounds on the charts.
Thanks for your comment. I share your disappointment. It's encouraging to see someone your age enjoy the wonderful music of Bing Crosby. I can only hope that other youngsters will lend an ear. He has been an inspiration in my life.
I dont know how i missed this "Overdue Tribute to Bing" article!!
Bing Crosby deffinetly deserves more fame and recognition than he gets, and you really help!!
Good job!
I appreciate your comments, compu-smart. If the younger generations spent a few minutes listening to Bing sing and watching some of his great movies, I'm sure they would sing his praises as well. I really hope they take a moment to view the videos.
I missed this too, but am glad I found it now. Very nice tribute.
I'm glad you found it, too, Patty. Bing is the greatest!
I don't know how I landed here William but I did. So I had to stay and find out more about you and Bing. I was just at that stupid age when I had no time for him. I'm sure I hear you saying that it is my loss! I always loved "White Christmas" and I just left a comment on ripplemakers hub about swingin on a star. That was Bing Crosby's song? Well he must have snuck upon me somehow without my written consent! It was interesting to read about your idol. Thanks for sharing your tribute to Bing! ;)
I'm delighted you found this tribute to Bing, Dottie. Bing sang "Swinging on a Star" in his 1944 movie, "Going My Way." The picture was "nominated for 9 Oscars and won 7, including best actor (Bing), best picture and best song ('Swinging on a Star.') The film elevated Crosby to top box-office attraction among motion picture stars, where he stayed for a record 5 years." (Quote from Steven Lewis' Bing Crosby Internet Museum.) I hope you had time to look at the videos on this hub; they demonstrate Bing's talent and versatility. Thanks.
I did listen to the videos too William and found them entertaining and very relaxing to watch. I remember watching the family christmas special with my mother and father. And now that I am my parents age LOL, I could probably appreciate Bing Crosby. Since I like that song "Swinging on a Star", I bet I would like that movie "Going My Way". I'll have to check that out. Thanks again William.
I don't think I ever missed one of Bing's family Christmas specials, Dottie. I think I'm safe in saying that I can guarantee you'll find "Going My Way" to your liking. Bing made some five dozen movies, including "Holiday Inn," "Pennies From Heaven," and "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." His theme song was "Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day."
Five Dozen Movies...Holy Moly! I've got "Going My Way" written down so now I know it will happen....eventually, but it will happen. Maybe even sooner than later. I will definitely let you know how I like it.
Would you like to swing on a star? Carry moonbeams home in a jar. And be better off than you are, or would you rather be a mule? William, this song is now stuck in my head. LOL
I'd love to hear how you liked "Going My Way," Dottie. Nice words to "Swinging on a Star," aren't they?
I have to confess I really did laugh out loud when you said the words were stuck in your head. Now you're gonna get 'em stuck in my head, too!
Holiday Inn is one of my favorite movies. Also Boy's Town. I love old movies. Thank you for the great hub!
I love old movies, too, Netters -- especially Bing Crosby movies. I haven't seen the new colorized version of Holiday Inn yet, but I'll be heading to WalMart soon to pick up the CD-DVD. They tell me it's great, even those who are not big fans of colorized movies. Merry Christmas.
I just sooo smiled when I saw your profile today William. As we discussed 4 weeks ago (has it really been that long) I was going to check out Bings movie "Going My Way". Well last night as I was going to decorate my Christmas tree I thought it would be nice to watch the movie. I went to the rental store and they did not have it, boo hoo...but they did have one, just one bing crosby movie and that was "The Bells of St. Mary's. Have you seen this movie? Bing Crosby is a CHARMER to say the least. Now I could go on for a long time but let me just thank you for suggesting that I check his movie out. I will definitely be watching more. Thanks William. I can see why you are a HUGE fan as I look up at your profile pic and can't help but smile :)
William! All this time, I thought that you hadn't written about your beloved Bing and I wondered why. Your hub is a wonderful tribute and I'm sure Bing would be pleased. He really outsold The Beatles??
Although it's been a long time, I have seen many of his movies over the years, including Holiday Inn, Bells of St. Mary's, the 'Road to' flicks.
The lyrics to White Christmas are searched for a lot on Google, so people must want to sing-a-long with him.
Very nice hub, William.
I'm so glad you got to see "The Bells of St. Mary's," Dottie. It's the sequel to "Going My Way.' Unfortunately, Bing's movies are not always available in stores, but most are sold on the Internet. In fact, Bing's "Holiday Inn," (1942) with Fred Astaire, just came out in color. I just bought it at WalMart and watched it on Thanksgiving Day (the black and white version is great, too.) Two of my Bing favorites are "Pennies From Heaven" (1936), which may be hard to get, and "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949.) I hope you get to see some of these as I know you'll love them!
Bing not only outsold the Beatles, Shirlty, but here's a quote from the Bing Crosby Internet Museum: "Between 1927 and 1962 he scored 368 charted records under his own name, plus twenty-eight as a vocalist with various bandleaders, for a total of 396. No one else has come close; compare Paul Whiteman (220), Frank Sinatra (209), Elvis Presley (149), Glenn Miller (129), Nat “King” Cole (118), Louis Armstrong (85), the Beatles (68)." I'm glad you enjoyed reading this hub. I enjoyed writing it. I only wish some of our younger generation would take a good look at Bing's work. They're not easy to find, but many of Crosby's radio shows and TV appearances can be found on the Internet. Thanks for your interest.
Well, you know William, everything has a cycle and comes back into fashion. Happened with Johnny Cash and Neil Young already, so it's bound to do the same for Bing. Don't give up hope!
Thanks William for the list of movies. I will definitely be checking some of them out. I so enjoyed last night decorating my tree with Bing. William, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. ~Dottie~
I hope you're right, Shirley. Satellite radio will be running a nonstop broadcast of Bing's holiday special radio shows from Dec. 13 to 25 (Channel 113 on Sirius and Channel 120 on XM.) The Crosby family is finally beginning to take an interest in promoting Bing's legacy, so I've got my fingers crossed that the new generation will eventually have the privilege of seeing and hearing his more than four decades of entertaining us with his songs and movies.
Excellent piece on a true musical genius, I only wish Bing Crosby still received the credit he is due today.
Thank you, Chelsea. The Crosby family has recently taken a greater interest in bringing Bing's great talents to the attention of the younger generation, and there are three new Crosby restaurants on the west coast. By the way, Bing's "Holiday Inn" just came out in a colorized version, which I found in WalMart. Although I love black and white, it sure looks great in color.
thanks for list
Thanks, Lgali. If you get a chance, you can see Bing on television (Turner Classic Movies):The Bells of St. Mary's, Dec. 11, Pennies From Heaven, Dec. 11, High Society, Dec. 11, and Road to Bali, Dec. 12.
I'm among your readers who can't believe I missed this Hub at the time you published. Oddly, today is December 11, and I would have missed the TCM lineup if I didn't read your Hub. I know what channel I'm going to be tuned to today and tomorrow (clearly, it was meant to be)! Thanks for this tribute to one of the great entertainment icons of my childhood!
I'm very pleased, Sally's Trove, that you found this hub in time to see those great Crosby movies on TCM. Thanks for commenting. I'll be watching "Der Bingle" with you.
I've just discovered this great hub about a great guy. Anyone who had the attention and praise that Bing did and still keep his feet on the ground is the tops for me.
Thanks William!
Thanks, gunsock. Bing never sought the limelight. When he sang with others -- which he did more than any other singer ever -- he always put the spotlight on them. In his many movies, he wouldn't even take top billing, claiming he didn't want to be overexposed. Der Bingle actually isn't doing all that badly today, and I'm planning another piece about that. By the way, I really like your hubs, and I'm looking forward to reading a lot more (one needs 24 hours a day to keep up with all this computer stuff.) But I'll get there soon.
His singing has always warmed my heart..."White Christmas" being one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Pitch perfect. Thanks for the re-release!
Thank you, Cailin, for commenting. Bing was a man of many talents, but his Christmas songs and movies are remembered today more than his other great records and movies -- and his wonderful radio and TV shows. "White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn" are truly great Christmas traditions. This hub is one of my early ones, and I just realized that many hubbers (and others) did not know about it. I know that those who don't know about Crosby will appreciate his talents.
Florida Fan says:
2 years ago
Great story about a great singer, actor, and an all around great guy!