Here is a radio documentary I created called Swinging Into Stardom: The Early Years Of Bing Crosby. It's been almost 100 years now since Bing made his first record I've Got The Girl, and I hope this documentary captures and honors those early years...
Though most people associate Crosby with Christmas, his musical embrace of the season extended far beyond December 25th. His recordings captured not just the holiday spirit, but the entire emotional landscape of winter: its romance, its solitude, and its unexpected warmth.
It all began with a song that would become the most iconic winter tune of all time—White Christmas. Written by Irving Berlin and first performed by Crosby in 1941, the song wasn’t just a hit—it was a balm. During World War II, it became a symbol of home and hope, especially for soldiers stationed far from snowy rooftops and glowing hearths. Crosby’s version, with its gentle phrasing and wistful tone, became the best-selling single in history. Even today, it feels like a quiet prayer for peace.
But Crosby didn’t stop there. In 1934, he recorded June in January, a romantic ballad that turned the coldest month into a metaphor for love’s warmth. “It’s June in January because I’m in love,” he croons, transforming icy landscapes into blooming gardens with nothing more than affection. The song is a reminder that winter isn’t just about snow—it’s about the contrast between chill and comfort, solitude and connection.
Then there’s Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter, a lesser-known gem from 1951. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from the season’s melancholy. With lyrics that speak of icy streets and frosty air, Crosby’s voice carries a quiet ache, as if he’s singing to someone just out of reach. It’s the kind of song you play when the snow is falling and the world feels still.
Not all of Crosby’s winter songs are somber. Silver Bells, recorded with Carol Richards in 1950, paints a picture of bustling city sidewalks dressed in holiday style. The song captures the magic of urban winter—shop windows glowing, children laughing, bells ringing in the distance. Crosby’s voice adds a layer of nostalgia, making it feel like a memory you’ve never had but somehow still miss.
Other seasonal tunes like The First Snowfall and Sleigh Ride in July show Crosby’s versatility. The former celebrates the quiet beauty of snow’s arrival, while the latter flips the seasons for romantic effect, imagining a sleigh ride in the middle of summer. Both songs showcase his ability to make any moment feel magical.
What makes Bing Crosby’s winter recordings so enduring isn’t just the music—it’s the feeling. He didn’t just sing about snow; he sang about what snow represents. His songs are filled with longing, love, and the kind of quiet reflection that January invites. Whether you’re watching flakes fall outside your window or reminiscing about winters past, Crosby’s voice is like a warm fire in the cold.
So this season, when the world slows down and the days grow short, let Bing be your soundtrack. His winter melodies remind us that even in the coldest months, warmth is never far away...
