A few days after the Allied Invasion of Normandy, Bing Crosby was on hand on a broadcast of Command Performance. The radio show, aimed at entertaining our servicemen, showcased some of Hollywood's biggest talent at the time. This broadcast Bing appeared on was on June 17, 1944.
Hosted by Jack Benny, who jokes with Ken Carpenter about his introduction, movies, and Jack’s plumber girlfriend.
Bing Crosby enters to tease Jack. After reading greetings and requests from the mailbag Bing sings, You Must Have been a Beautiful Baby.
The two old timers, Jack and Bing, talk about the old days at the Coconut Grove. With Dennis Day now in the Navy, Jack tries to ask Bing to sing as a regular on his show, if he can afford him.
Georgia Gibbs dips into the mailbag for requests then sings, Stormy Weather.
Jack tries to butter up Georgia to be his singer, but is cut short when Harpo enters. For a guy who doesn’t talk, can he keep up with Jack with the jokes? You know he will, especially whenhe he calls on Gary Cooper to be his translator. Yup. Lots of laughs for the shortest amount of words.
Harpo then plays his harp while Bing sings, My Blue Heaven.
Jack and Bing present sounds from home, Ann Miller doing a tap dance in combat boots. Who knew an old set of boots could sound so good?
Brother Bing takes over and dedicates the next song, I Alone. Then, Bing and Harpo provide the parting words to the troops. There never was such great entertainment before or since...
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This is a one stop place to find news and stories about the greatest singer of all-time, Bing Crosby. From his days with Paul Whiteman to his final performances in 1977, we will examine this remarkable entertainer's life and times!
Showing posts with label Command Performance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Command Performance. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Monday, April 23, 2012
COMMAND PERFORMANCE: APRIL 5, 1945
World War II was a horrible time for this country and the world for that matter. However, the entertainment at the time was some of the best the world has ever known. Radio was the most popular medium and a great show heard by soldiers was "Command Performance".
Hosted by Harry “Bing” Crosby, who is congratulated for his win of the Academy Award. Bing sings, This Heart of Mine. Marilyn Maxwell flirts with Bing before she sings, Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week.
Singer and songwriter, Johnny Mercer joins Bing for some good natured teasing. Bing and Johnny sing Swing is Here to Stay. Or something like that. Mayor of Hollywood, Lionel Barrymore talks with Bing and shares pointers on dramatic acting. Bing sings with the Charioteers, Dear Old Girl.
Dame Whittier, an older star of the stage drops in to share admireing words for Bing. Bing sings a final tune, the Fifth Marines...
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Hosted by Harry “Bing” Crosby, who is congratulated for his win of the Academy Award. Bing sings, This Heart of Mine. Marilyn Maxwell flirts with Bing before she sings, Saturday Night is the Loneliest Night of the Week.
Singer and songwriter, Johnny Mercer joins Bing for some good natured teasing. Bing and Johnny sing Swing is Here to Stay. Or something like that. Mayor of Hollywood, Lionel Barrymore talks with Bing and shares pointers on dramatic acting. Bing sings with the Charioteers, Dear Old Girl.
Dame Whittier, an older star of the stage drops in to share admireing words for Bing. Bing sings a final tune, the Fifth Marines...
SOURCE
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