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Engraved portrait of Bing Crosby
Music · 1940s

Bing Crosby

In memoriam 1903–1977

“The relaxed baritone whose easy phrasing made the microphone an intimate instrument.”

Harry Lillis Crosby, May 3, 1903, Tacoma, WashingtonBorn
October 14, 1977, near Madrid, Spain (age 74)Died
Der Bingle / the original croonerNickname
Best Actor for 'Going My Way' (1944)Oscar
'White Christmas' is the best-selling single everRecord
The Turning Point

Going solo in the early 1930s, Bing Crosby pioneered the intimate 'crooning' style that the new electric microphone made possible, and his radio show and records made him America's favorite voice. His 1942 recording of 'White Christmas' became the best-selling single of all time. He became a star in the early 1930s.

Bing Crosby in a 1951 publicity photo
Bing Crosby in a 1951 publicity photo

Inventing the Crooner

Bing Crosby used the new electric microphone to sing softly and conversationally, a relaxed style that influenced two generations of pop singers. His easygoing manner made him a fixture of radio, records and film.

White Christmas and the Movies

His 1942 recording of 'White Christmas' became the best-selling single in history. He won a Best Actor Oscar for 'Going My Way' (1944) and teamed with Bob Hope for the hugely popular 'Road' comedies.

Enduring Voice

For decades he was among the most admired men in America. He kept performing into the 1970s, recording a famous duet with David Bowie shortly before he died of a heart attack in Spain in 1977.

Career Timeline

  1. 1903Born Harry Lillis Crosby in Tacoma, Washington
  2. 1926Joins Paul Whiteman's orchestra as a singer
  3. 1931Launches solo radio career and recording success
  4. 1940Begins 'Road' comedies with Bob Hope
  5. 1942Records 'White Christmas' for film 'Holiday Inn'
  6. 1944Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'Going My Way'
  7. 1945Reprises Father O'Malley in 'The Bells of St. Mary's'
  8. 1948Voted most admired man alive in U.S. poll
  9. 1954Dramatic turn in 'The Country Girl' earns Oscar nod
  10. 1962Receives first Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
  11. 1977Dies of a heart attack near Madrid, Spain
  12. 1977Final TV special airs, including duet with David Bowie

Biggest Hits

1942
White ChristmasBest-selling single of all time per Guinness
1944
Swinging on a StarOscar-winning song from 'Going My Way'
1936
Pennies from HeavenSignature Depression-era standard
1943
I'll Be Home for ChristmasWartime holiday classic beloved by troops
1944
Don't Fence Me InNumber-one hit with the Andrews Sisters
1956
True LoveHit duet with Grace Kelly from 'High Society'
Did You Know
  • He got the nickname 'Bing' as a boy, reportedly from his love of a comic strip called 'The Bingville Bugle.'
  • He championed magnetic tape recording, helping bring the technology to American radio and the music industry.

The Moment You Remember

For millions, the season does not truly begin until Crosby's voice glides through White Christmas, the unhurried baritone that has accompanied family gatherings for generations.

Portrait: Paramount Pictures (anonymous/unknown) · Public domain (PD US not renewed) · via Wikimedia Commons

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