People

Crooner Bing Crosby

Posted by Joe Hummel IIIPosted 122 years ago May 3, 1903

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and radio personality who became one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century. Born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, he grew up in a musical family and began singing early on. With his distinctive warm baritone voice, Crosby became one of the most influential and successful crooners of his time.

Bing Crosby’s career spanned over 50 years, from the 1920s to the 1970s.
He was named ” Bing ” by a comic strip character named Bingo.
Crosby began his music career as a member of the Rhythm Boys, a jazz vocal trio.
Bing Crosby’s first solo hit was “Out of Nowhere” in 1931.
He had over 40 number-one hits, including “White Christmas,” which remains one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Crosby was an early advocate of recording techniques and was one of the first singers to use a microphone to enhance his voice.
Bing Crosby was the first artist to pre-record his radio shows, which allowed for better sound quality and editing.
He acted in numerous films, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1944 film “Going My Way.”
Crosby was known for his philanthropic work, raising millions of dollars for various charities throughout his career.
He performed with many famous musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope.
Crosby introduced many popular songs that became standards, including “Pennies from Heaven,” “Swinging on a Star,” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
He helped popularize Hawaiian music in the 1930s and 1940s by recording several songs with a Hawaiian theme.
Bing Crosby was one of the first artists to embrace television and appeared in many TV specials and series.
Bing was an avid golfer and co-founded the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am Golf Tournament, now known as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Crosby’s radio show, “Kraft Music Hall,” was one of the most popular radio programs of its time.
Bing had a longtime partnership with fellow entertainer Bob Hope, with whom he starred in seven “Road to…” comedy films.
In 1963, Crosby became the first recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
His family life was turbulent, with two of his four sons from his first marriage later dying by suicide.
Bing Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, after suffering a heart attack following a round of golf in Spain.
His influence on popular music and entertainment can still be felt today, with many artists citing him as a significant inspiration.