Saturday, February 14, 2026

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...



Sunday, February 1, 2026

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...














Sunday, January 25, 2026

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...


Sunday, January 18, 2026

SNOWFALL AND SENTIMENT: BING'S WINTERTIME MELODIES

There’s something about winter that invites reflection. The hush of falling snow, the long shadows of January afternoons, the way the world seems to slow down and listen. And if winter had a voice, it might very well sound like Bing Crosby’s—smooth, steady, and full of quiet emotion.

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...




Sunday, January 4, 2026

DIXIE LEE: HOLLYWOOD STAR

Dixie Lee, born Wilma Winifred Wyatt on November 4, 1911, in Harriman, Tennessee, was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her marriage to legendary crooner Bing Crosby. However, before becoming Mrs. Crosby, Dixie Lee carved out a notable—albeit brief—career in Hollywood during the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Dixie Lee began her entertainment career as a singer and dancer in vaudeville and nightclubs. Her talent and charm quickly caught the attention of film producers, and she transitioned to the silver screen during the early sound era of Hollywood. Her film debut came in 1929 with Fox Movietone Follies of 1929, a musical revue that showcased her singing and dancing abilities. This film was part of the wave of early sound musicals that capitalized on the novelty of synchronized sound.

Here are some of the key films in Dixie Lee’s filmography:

Fox Movietone Follies of 1929 (1929)
A musical revue-style film featuring various performers. Dixie Lee’s appearance helped launch her film career.

Love Comes Along (1930)
Dixie starred opposite Bebe Daniels in this romantic musical drama, further establishing her as a leading lady.

The Big Party (1930)
A drama set in the world of college life and youthful exuberance, showcasing Dixie’s appeal to younger audiences.

Cheer Up and Smile (1930)
A musical comedy where Dixie played a prominent role, reinforcing her image as a charming and talented performer.

Night Life in Reno (1931)
A drama set against the backdrop of Reno’s nightlife, this film gave Dixie a chance to explore more serious acting.

Manhattan Parade (1932)
One of her final film appearances, this musical comedy was released by Warner Bros. and featured Lee in a supporting role.

 
Despite her early success, Dixie Lee’s film career was relatively short-lived. After marrying Bing Crosby in 1930, she gradually stepped away from the spotlight. The pressures of Hollywood, combined with personal struggles—including health issues and the demands of family life—led her to retire from acting by the mid-1930s.
Legacy

Though her filmography is modest in size, Dixie Lee remains a fascinating figure in early Hollywood history. Her contributions to the musical genre during the transition from silent films to talkies helped pave the way for future stars. Moreover, her influence on Bing Crosby’s early career and personal life was profound.

Dixie Lee passed away in 1952 at the age of 40, but her brief time in Hollywood left a lasting impression. Today, she is remembered not only as Bing Crosby’s first wife but also as a talented performer who shone brightly during a transformative era in American cinema...