THE BIRTH OF BING AND A VOICE THAT WOULD CHANGE MUSIC FOREVER

On May 3, 1903, in the quiet city of Tacoma, Washington, a baby boy was born who would one day become the most influential voice in American popular music. His name was Harry Lillis Crosby—though the world would come to know him simply as Bing.

Harry was the fourth of seven children in a close-knit Irish-American family. His father, Harry Lowe Crosby, worked as a bookkeeper, while his mother, Catherine Harrigan Crosby, kept the household running with warmth and discipline. When Bing was just three years old, the family moved to Spokane, Washington, where he would spend his formative years.

The nickname “Bing” came later, inspired by a comic strip called The Bingville Bugle that young Harry adored. Friends teased him about his enthusiasm for the strip, and soon “Bing” stuck—a playful moniker that would become iconic.

Growing up in Spokane, Bing was an ordinary boy with an extraordinary ear for music. He loved the sounds drifting from phonographs and the rhythms of ragtime that were sweeping the nation. Summers were spent playing baseball and fishing along the Spokane River, but music was always close by. He sang in school plays, harmonized with friends, and absorbed every note he heard.

No one could have guessed that this boy, born in a modest home in Tacoma, would one day revolutionize the art of singing. Bing Crosby’s birth marked the beginning of a journey that would lead to radio dominance, Hollywood stardom, and recordings that sold in the millions. His easygoing style and intimate approach to the microphone would change the way America listened to music—and the way singers performed it.

From that quiet May morning in 1903, a legend was set in motion. The world didn’t know it yet, but the voice that would define an era had just taken its first breath...

GARY CROSBY: GROWING UP IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Gary Crosby was born on June 27, 1933, in Los Angeles, the first son of Bing Crosby and Dixie Lee. From the very beginning, music was woven into his life. While other kids grew up with bedtime stories, Gary grew up with jam sessions—his father’s voice drifting through the house, rehearsals echoing from the living room, and visits from stars who defined an era.

By the time Gary was a teenager, it was clear he had inherited more than just a famous name. He had a voice, a sense of timing, and a natural ease in front of the microphone. Along with his brothers—Phillip, Lindsay, and Dennis—he formed The Crosby Boys, a harmony-driven group that performed on radio and in nightclubs during the late 1940s and early ’50s. Their appearances were a hit with audiences who loved seeing Bing’s sons carry on the family tradition.

Gary’s first big break came through duets with his father. In 1950, they recorded “Sam’s Song” and “Play a Simple Melody,” two playful tracks that captured the charm of father and son trading lines. The records were a sensation, becoming the first double-sided gold record in music history. Suddenly, Gary wasn’t just Bing’s son—he was a star in his own right.

Radio soon beckoned. Gary appeared on programs like The Bing Crosby Show, where his easy banter and smooth vocals made him a natural fit. In the summer of 1955, he even hosted his own program, The Gary Crosby Show, on CBS—a bold step that showed he was ready to carve out his own space in entertainment.

Film followed quickly. Gary made his screen debut as himself in Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) when he was just a boy, sharing the screen with Hollywood’s biggest names. Later, he appeared in musicals and comedies throughout the 1950s, bringing his laid-back charm to the big screen. These early roles weren’t just cameos—they were proof that Gary had the charisma to hold his own in front of the camera.

Those early years were a whirlwind of radio microphones, studio lights, and family harmonies. Gary Crosby grew up in the glow of fame, but he didn’t just stand in his father’s shadow—he stepped forward, sang his own songs, and began writing the first chapters of a career that would span music, film, and television...

BING CROSBY - THE BRUNSWICK YEARS

 

BING AT BRUNSWICK

In the early 1930s, Bing Crosby was standing at the edge of something big. He had already made waves as part of Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys, but the world was about to hear him in a way it never had before. The stage for this transformation? Brunswick Records.

It was 1931 when Bing walked into the Brunswick studios, a young man with a voice that felt like velvet and a style that broke all the rules. At the time, most singers were belting out tunes with theatrical flair, but Bing did something radical—he sang as if he were speaking to you alone. His tone was warm, intimate, and conversational, and the microphone became his closest friend.

The first notes of “Out of Nowhere” drifted into the studio air, and suddenly, the future of popular music shifted. That recording wasn’t just a hit; it was a statement. Bing wasn’t going to shout over the band—he was going to glide through the melody, letting the rhythm carry him like a lazy river. Soon came “Just One More Chance,” a tender ballad that captured hearts across America, followed by the playful “I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and Ten Cent Store)” and the dreamy “Good Night, Sweetheart.” Each song was a brushstroke in the portrait of a new kind of star.

Brunswick’s engineers loved him. The label’s cutting-edge technology gave Bing’s voice a clarity that made listeners feel like he was singing in their living room. And in a way, he was—radio was booming, and Crosby’s relaxed croon was the perfect antidote to the hard edges of the Jazz Age. His records spun on phonographs from New York to Los Angeles, and suddenly, everyone wanted to sound like Bing.

But the Brunswick years were just the beginning. In 1934, Jack Kapp—who had championed Bing at Brunswick—founded Decca Records and brought Crosby along for the ride. That move would lead to “White Christmas” and a career that defined an era. Still, those early Brunswick sides remain a treasure: raw, intimate, and full of promise. They capture the moment when Bing Crosby stopped being a band singer and became the voice of America.

Even now, when you listen to those recordings, you can hear the quiet revolution taking place. A man and a microphone, rewriting the rules of popular music—one smooth phrase at a time...

BING & CONNEE BOSWELL: A HARMONY BEYOND TIME

The year was 1937, and the airwaves were alive with the sound of swing. Bing Crosby, already a household name with his warm, easygoing baritone, was redefining popular singing. Across the country, Connee Boswell—formerly the heart of the Boswell Sisters—was stepping into her own spotlight. Her voice carried a jazz-inflected elegance, a playful lilt that could turn even the simplest melody into something unforgettable.

When Bing and Connee first met in a Los Angeles studio, it wasn’t just another session. Bing, ever the gentleman, greeted her with that trademark grin and a casual, “Ready to make some magic?” Connee, seated in her wheelchair—her disability never dimming her spirit—shot back with a mischievous smile: “Only if you can keep up.”

The microphone crackled to life, and the band struck up the opening bars of “Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)”. What followed was pure chemistry. Bing’s voice flowed like a calm river, steady and reassuring, while Connee’s danced around his lines—syncopated, teasing, full of swing. The duet soared to #2 on the charts, and listeners couldn’t get enough of their playful banter woven into melody.

Over the next few years, their partnership blossomed. They recorded “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, a spirited Irving Berlin classic that hit #1 and even raised funds for polio research—a cause close to Connee’s heart. Then came “An Apple for the Teacher”, a cheeky tune that had audiences grinning from coast to coast. Each song was more than a recording; it was a conversation between two artists who understood each other’s rhythms.

Offstage, Bing often spoke of Connee as one of his favorite female vocalists. “She’s got something no one else has,” he told a reporter. “That phrasing—she swings without trying.” Connee, in turn, admired Bing’s generosity in the studio. He never overshadowed her; instead, he created space for her artistry to shine.

Their collaborations weren’t confined to records. Radio listeners tuned in to hear them on programs like Kraft Music Hall, where their duets brought warmth and wit into American homes during uncertain times. For many, those broadcasts were a lifeline—a reminder that joy could still be found in harmony.

As the 1940s dawned and musical tastes shifted, Bing and Connee’s paths diverged. Yet their recordings remain timeless, echoing an era when music was intimate, playful, and profoundly human. Today, when you hear “Basin Street Blues” or “Between 18th and 19th on Chestnut Street”, you’re not just listening to notes—you’re hearing a friendship, a shared love of song, and a moment in history that still swings...

KEN TWISS AND THE BING CROSBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

In the decades following Bing Crosby’s death in 1977, few individuals have done more to preserve his legacy than Ken Twiss, founder and president of the Bing Crosby Historical Society (BCHS). Established in 1978 in Tacoma, Washington, the BCHS began as a passionate fan club but quickly evolved into a vital institution dedicated to chronicling the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most influential entertainers. 

Ken Twiss was more than a fan—he was a steward of Crosby’s memory. Under his leadership, the BCHS published quarterly newsletters titled The Crooner, which featured articles on Crosby’s life, career milestones, and updates from the society. These newsletters became a cherished resource for fans and historians alike, offering insights and anecdotes that might otherwise have faded into obscurity. 

Twiss also organized annual gatherings that brought together fans, scholars, and even individuals who had known Crosby personally. These events were more than celebrations—they were forums for storytelling, remembrance, and community building. One notable tribute in 1983 featured Carolyn Schneider, a relative of Crosby, and was praised for its heartfelt execution by Twiss and fellow organizer Frank McMahon. 

At its peak, the Bing Crosby Historical Society operated a small museum that housed memorabilia, photographs, correspondence, and other artifacts related to Crosby’s life. Though modest in size, the museum served as a tangible connection to the crooner’s legacy. Visitors could explore items that spanned Crosby’s career—from his early days in Spokane to his Hollywood triumphs. 

Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, the museum closed in 1993, marking the end of an era. However, Twiss ensured that the society’s archival materials were preserved. He personally transferred the BCHS records to the Northwest Room of the Tacoma Public Library, safeguarding them for future generations. 

While the BCHS itself is no longer active, its impact endures. In 1993, Gonzaga University—Crosby's alma mater—received the entire BCHS collection, which now forms part of the world’s largest public collection of Bing Crosby memorabilia. This includes gold and platinum records, photographs, awards, and even a duplicate Oscar for Going My Way. 

Ken Twiss’s dedication laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to honor Crosby’s legacy. Organizations like the Bing Crosby Advocates in Spokane continue this mission, hosting events and maintaining Crosby’s childhood home as a museum. 

Ken Twiss’s work with the Bing Crosby Historical Society exemplifies how one person’s passion can preserve cultural history. Through newsletters, events, and archival preservation, Twiss ensured that Bing Crosby’s contributions to music, film, and American culture would not be forgotten. His efforts remain a testament to the enduring power of fandom, memory, and historical stewardship...

WHY BING CROSBY IS NOT REMEMBERED MORE TODAY

In the pantheon of American entertainment, few figures loom as large as Bing Crosby. He was the first multimedia superstar—dominating radio, film, and music for decades. His smooth baritone voice, relaxed charm, and pioneering use of technology made him a household name from the 1930s through the 1950s. Yet today, Crosby is often reduced to a seasonal footnote, remembered primarily for his rendition of White Christmas. Why has such a monumental figure faded from the cultural spotlight?

Crosby’s achievements are staggering. He recorded over 1,600 songs, starred in more than 70 films, and hosted thousands of radio programs. His hit songs charted 396 times—more than Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley combined. He won an Academy Award for Going My Way and was the top box-office draw in Hollywood for five consecutive years. He even helped revolutionize the recording industry by investing in magnetic tape technology.

Yet despite this, Crosby’s legacy has not endured with the same vibrancy as his contemporaries. Sinatra, Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald remain cultural touchstones, while Crosby is often remembered only during the holidays.

One reason for Crosby’s diminished year-round presence is the overwhelming association with Christmas music. White Christmas remains the best-selling single of all time, and its annual resurgence reinforces the idea of Crosby as a seasonal figure. This pigeonholing has inadvertently narrowed public perception of his broader contributions to music and film. 

Crosby’s style—sentimental, smooth, and easygoing—was perfectly suited to the pre-rock era. But as musical tastes shifted toward edgier, more emotionally raw styles in the 1950s and beyond, Crosby’s crooning began to feel outdated. Unlike Sinatra, who adapted his style to remain relevant, Crosby largely stayed within his established lane.

Moreover, Crosby’s understated persona, once seen as charming and relatable, began to seem bland in comparison to the more flamboyant or rebellious stars who followed. His image didn’t lend itself to the kind of mythologizing that sustains long-term cultural relevance.
A Lack of Modern Reissues and Visibility

Another factor is the scarcity of accessible reissues of Crosby’s work. Many of his recordings are available only through niche labels or poorly distributed imports. His films, too, are rarely broadcast or promoted, making it difficult for new audiences to discover his work organically. 

Crosby’s peak coincided with the World War II generation, many of whom revered him as a symbol of comfort and patriotism. As that generation has aged and passed on, so too has the collective memory of Crosby’s cultural dominance. Without active efforts to preserve and promote his legacy, it risks fading entirely.

Bing Crosby was a pioneer, a superstar, and a cultural icon. His influence shaped the very foundations of modern entertainment. Yet today, he is largely remembered for a single song and a fleeting season. This decline in recognition is not due to a lack of merit, but rather a confluence of cultural shifts, generational change, and the absence of sustained preservation efforts.

To remember Crosby more fully is to remember the roots of American popular culture—and to appreciate the quiet genius of a man who once showed the world how it was done...

CROONING THROUGH LOVE: THE ROMANTIC SIDE OF BING

Bing Crosby’s voice was velvet—smooth, warm, and timeless. It drifted through radios and movie screens, comforting a nation through war, winter, and wistful longing. But behind the crooner’s calm exterior was a romantic life filled with devotion, heartbreak, and quiet complexity.

In 1930, Bing met Dixie Lee, a beautiful and talented nightclub singer. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage, and soon they were raising four sons in the glow of Hollywood’s golden age. Dixie was vivacious and charming, but the pressures of fame and family weighed heavily on her. She struggled with alcoholism, and their marriage, though enduring, was often strained. Bing, deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, never divorced her—even when the emotional distance between them grew vast.

Despite the challenges, Bing remained by Dixie’s side until her death from ovarian cancer in 1952. Her passing left a quiet ache in him, one that lingered even as the world saw him smiling on screen.

During his marriage, Bing’s name was quietly linked to other women. Actress Joan Caulfield was one such figure. Friends noted her deep affection for Crosby, and though their relationship was never publicly confirmed, it was clear she hoped for more. But Bing’s devotion to his faith—and his complicated marriage—kept him from pursuing anything permanent.

Then came Grace Kelly, the elegant star who captivated audiences and Crosby alike during the filming of The Country Girl. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Bing reportedly proposed to her. Grace, however, declined. She was already engaged to designer Oleg Cassini and would later become royalty as Princess of Monaco. Crosby, heartbroken, postponed his wedding to another woman—Kathryn Grant—because of his feelings for Grace.

Eventually, Bing did marry Kathryn in 1957. She was young, vibrant, and brought a renewed sense of joy to his life. Together, they had three children and remained married until his death in 1977. Kathryn stood by him through his later years, offering stability and warmth that had eluded him in earlier chapters.

Bing Crosby’s romantic life was never simple. It was filled with longing, loyalty, and moments of quiet sorrow. His relationships shaped not only his personal world but also the emotional depth of his music. When he sang “White Christmas,” it wasn’t just a holiday tune—it was a reflection of the home, peace, and love he always seemed to be searching for.

In the end, Bing passed away in Spain after a round of golf, reportedly saying, “That was a great game of golf, fellas. Let’s go have a Coca-Cola.” It was a simple farewell from a man whose life was anything but.

His love story, like his music, was layered and deeply human. And while the world remembers the crooner for his voice, those who knew him best remember the man behind the melody—a man who loved deeply, lost painfully, and lived fully...

PHOTOS OF THE DAY: BING AND ANIMALS

Bing Crosby had a love of many things, and one of his great loves was his love of animals. He was especially found of horses and dogs as these photos show...

SWINGING INTO STARDOM - THE EARLY YEARS OF BING CROSBY

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...