Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby, who has lent his melodious voice, underrated acting talents and devil-may-care attitude to the world for more than five decades, it turns on again the holiday season with its ubiquitous "White Christmas".
The man who "buzzed" his way into the hearts of millions of "Pennies From Heaven" in the middle of the '30s was "Swinging on a Star" from the '40s. His "White Christmas" inspired by soldiers on the battlefields of World War II and their loved ones at home.
But Crosby was not an ordinary singer – and it would be a shame if we allow his talent, should be to end up like Russ Columbo, Morton Downey, Rudy Vallee and Al Jolson.
"Der Bingle" – a nickname that has made the German soldiers who have collected its shipments to the allies – do not deserve.
Crosby has been recognized as the forerunner of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Mel Torme (who does his tribute to Bing and his music), among others. His style carefree hummingsometimes destroyed by the technical music, but the "Father O'Malley" from "The Bells of St. Mary" with almost united in singing "all those people" in his long and successful career.
Bing sang not only with all the great singers of his era, including the Andrews Sisters-sounding, but has been known for its extensive repertoire, his songs hit includes country and western, Hawaiian and jazz, as well as pop music . For over five decades, he has recorded (mostly) on the old DeccaLabel, more than 2,400 songs.
While "White Christmas", is generally regarded as his best-selling records, Bing once said that his recording of "Silent Night" was actually No. 1 in sales. Bing donated the proceeds (the) song for charity.
Perhaps one reason that music is not encouraged with Bing so much these days (like Sinatra) is that most of his best work was done in the days before high-fidelity and CD, even though (a lot), and technically advanced bands(CD) are available. Bing was also a modest man who thought he was nothing special, just a singer. Not unlike the character he played during his career, he was more interested in golf and fishing to promote his career.
Bing loved to sing, but his friends say that he was rarely happier than when he played golf (it was a low handicap), or casting a fishing line in a remote part of the world. For many years until the death of his death in 1977, Crosby was host of "Just do not be a millionaire", a pro-am tournament held every year at Pebble Beach.
Few people know that Bing played in nearly five dozen films, from a pair of Mack Sennett comedies, and ends with a character in one of the "Stagecoach" remake. He also had his own television show (and radio) shows, and for several years hosted a family Christmas special.
He is famous, of course, for the seven "Road" pictures he made with a man named Bob Hope, but he reached his peak in 1944 with his Oscar-winning role in "Going My Way."
In addition to the fun roles he has played in many films, Bing has shown real talent as an actor in a series of serious roles, including "The Country Girl" with William Holden and Grace Kelly.
Unfortunately, the reputation of Bing took a beating after his death, mostly taken from a book by his son Gary, which was later shown to contain many falsehoods. Bing was described as a "fallen drunk" when he shot to prominence in the late 20's, when he (and the Boys Rhythm with split), the biggest band of the moment-leader Paul Whiteman.
Regardless of these accusations, Bing was loved by millions of people around the world. In my opinion, had no equal. I hope that after three decades of loud, cacophonous "music", the youth of today could be ready for a returnwith good reason – a return to good music.
And in my book, there is no music better left to us by Bing Crosby.
Thanks, Bing!
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Bing has fans all over.
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