By 1932, Bing Crosby was already a hit on radio, and was beginning to make his way in Hollywood. Ellington was also a national figure because of his radio broadcasts and had made some short films.
The Depression caused a major slump in record company sales, which severed relations with about 90% of the musicians on their rosters. Crosby and Ellington were about as sure fire a commercial combination as a record company could hope to put together.
Duke's soloists stake out their singular territory, Bing does some great scatting at the end and this commercial pairing turns out to be a creative gem.
Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra: Duke Ellington, p, a, dir Arthur Whetsel, Freddy Jenkins, Cootie Williams, t / Joe Nanton, tb / Juan Tizol, vtb / Johnny Hodges, cl, ss, as / Harry Carney, cl, as, bar / Barney Bigard, cl, ts / Fred Guy, bj / Wellman Braud, sb/ Sonny Greer, Bing Crosby, v. New York, - February 11, 1932.
• St. Louis Blues– vBC0: Br 20105, Col 55003, DOX-560, SW-290, Lucky 17005;
• St. Louis Blues– vBC: Br 20105, 0116, A-5115, 20098 (Italian), Col 55003;
• A Creole Love Call: Br 20105, 0116, A-5115, Col 55003;
• Rose Room (In Sunny Roseland): Br 6265, 01292, A-9230, A-500174, Col DO- 1131
Unfortunately, other than Duke Ellington appearing on Bing's radio show in the 1940s, they did not work together on record. After Duke died in 1974, Bing was a part of a tribute album of the Duke. Bing recorded a commanding version of Don't Get Around Much Anymore" on April 15, 1977. It was the last official recording Bing made in the USA. Bing died in October of 1977...
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