PHOTOS OF THE DAY: BING AND LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong struck up a friendship in the 1920s that flourished as they worked together—for almost half a century—on stage, in movies, and on radio and TV. This week, Gary Giddins, author of Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams-the Early Years, 1903-1940 shares a look into the friendship between Bing and Louis.

In 1929, Bing Crosby was about to become the most famous pop singer in the country. He would score more number one hit records than anyone else in the 20th century—more than Elvis or even the Beatles. In the late 20s, Louis Armstrong's star was on the rise too. His stunning trumpet playing and entertaining vocals were heard by millions on his widely influential recordings. Under the influence of Bing and Louis, pop music became infused with the rhythm and tonality of jazz and blues...