An Overdue Tribute to Bing Crosby -- With 11 Music Videos
Singer, Actor, Entertainer
'Der Bingle,' 'The Groaner'
This tribute was written as an "Editor's Notebook" for The Hour newspaper of Norwalk, Conn., on Dec. 23, 1994. I don't know what took me so long! 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 my blog.
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.
Easygoing Crooning Style
Crosby was the acknowledged precursor of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como and Mel Torme (who has performed 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.
A Self-effacing Man
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 now 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.
Star of Radio, Television, Movies
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 lighthearted 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 bandleader of the time, Paul Whiteman.
Loved by Millions
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.
Thanks, Bing!
Have You Seen the new colorized version of "Holiday Inn"?
Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy 1977
Crosby's Pal Al Rinker Talks About Bing and 'The Rhythm Boys'
Bing Chats With Mary Pickford, Sings 'With Every Breath I Take'
Bing Crosby Sings 'Just a Gigolo' (1931)
Bing Crosby and Johnny Mercer Sing a Medley of Old Songs
Bing & Andrews Sisters: 'You Don't Have To Know the Language'
Bing Crosby Sings 'Brother Can You Spare a Dime'
Bing Crosby and The Temptations Sing 'My Girl'
Bing Crosby Sings 'Just One More Chance' & 'I Surrender Dear'
Bing Crosby Sings 'Moonlight Becomes You'
Bing Sings 'Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra,' From 'Going My Way'
Bing Sings 'The Four Winds and the Seven Seas'
Comments
Although this was written sometime ago, I had to read about Bing Crosby. I was born in the wrong era. I love the classics and my grandmother gave me a record when I was small and I still have it. The 45 is "Pistol Packin Mama" with Mae West and Bing Crosby. Although a little scratched and worn, I can still remember my grandmother singing the part of Mae West and my grandfather singing the part of Bing Crosby. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece and bringing back a flood of memories. :)
white christmas and little drummer booy are two of my favorites...
Kudos!
I shared this one with my followers. Rated Up!
Great write William. Bing was an icon in the music industry and if I remember didn't he have a brother, Bob Crosby who was also an entertainer.
"Too-raloo-ra-loo-ra" was my mothers favorite song. She loved Bing Crosby. I saw every movie he ever made. There will never be anyone like him - no one will every equal his voice. Those "blue eyes" just twinkled. Such expressive eyes. He was such a talented actor that one forgets he is acting. Thank you so much for such a stunning tribute to Bing Crosby. Rated big thumbs up and awesome.
I adore Bing and thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Bing, the visuals and videos are a wonderful treat! Peace :)
"White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn" ~ Great seasonal films.
His singing has always warmed my heart..."White Christmas" being one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Pitch perfect. Thanks for the re-release!
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!
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!
thanks for list
Excellent piece on a true musical genius, I only wish Bing Crosby still received the credit he is due today.
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~
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!
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 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 :)
Holiday Inn is one of my favorite movies. Also Boy's Town. I love old movies. Thank you for the great hub!
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 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 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 missed this too, but am glad I found it now. Very nice tribute.
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 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.
Thank You for recognizing Bing in this wonderful article.
Great story about a great singer, actor, and an all around great guy!
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