50 Facts About Bing Crosby

Early Life and Beginnings

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., had a fascinating journey from his early days to becoming a legendary entertainer. Let's dive into his early life and beginnings.

1. Early Life: Crosby was the fourth of seven children born to Harry Lillis Crosby Sr. and Catherine Helen Harrigan Crosby. His family moved to Spokane when he was six years old, where he developed a love for music.

2. Nickname: The nickname "Bing" came from a comic strip he adored, "The Bingville Bugle," which he read as a child. A neighbor started calling him "Bingo from Bingville," and the nickname eventually stuck.

3. Education: Crosby attended Catholic school and later went to Gonzaga High School, which was run by Jesuits. He abandoned his aspirations to become a lawyer for his dreams of musical stardom.

4. Musical Beginnings: Crosby started performing with a group called the Musicaladers as a singer and drummer. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.

Rise to Stardom

Crosby's rise to stardom was marked by his success in radio, film, and music. Here are some key moments from his journey to fame.

5. Radio Career: In 1931, Crosby launched his hugely popular radio show, "15 Minutes with Bing Crosby," which was initially unsponsored but later became a hit.

6. Film Debut: Crosby signed a contract with Paramount Pictures in the early 1930s and began starring in musical comedies like "Here Is My Heart" (1934) and "Anything Goes" (1936).

7. Hit Single: His hit single "Pennies from Heaven" (1936) became a huge success, cementing his status as a rising star in both music and film.

8. Road to Stardom: Crosby co-starred with comedian Bob Hope in the wildly popular "Road" pictures series, which began with "The Road to Singapore" (1940). The on-screen dynamic duo forged a genuine affection for each other off-screen as well.

Achievements and Awards

Bing Crosby's career was decorated with numerous awards and achievements, showcasing his talent and versatility.

9. Academy Award: In 1944, Crosby won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Going My Way," a dramatic turn that showcased his acting range.

10. Holiday Inn: Crosby teamed up with Fred Astaire for "Holiday Inn" (1942), featuring music by Irving Berlin, including one of his all-time greatest hits, "White Christmas".

11. Philanthropy: Crosby was known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes including children’s hospitals and organizations aiding veterans.

12. Sports Enthusiast: Besides music and film, Crosby had a passion for sports. He actively participated in golf and horse racing, even owning and breeding racehorses.

Business Ventures and Innovations

Crosby was not just a performer; he was also a savvy businessman and innovator.

13. Business Ventures: Crosby was a part-owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team from 1946 to 1949, demonstrating his diverse business interests.

14. Recording Legacy: Crosby recorded more than 1,600 songs and holds the record for the best-selling single of all time with "White Christmas," which sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

15. Chart-Topping Hits: He had 38 No. 1 singles, surpassing even Elvis Presley and The Beatles in chart-topping success.

16. First Multimedia Star: Crosby was the first multimedia star, dominating the music charts, radio ratings, and motion picture grosses from 1926 to 1977.

Impact on Music and Culture

Bing Crosby's influence on music and culture is undeniable. His contributions have left a lasting legacy.

17. Impact on Christmas Music: Crosby changed Christmas music from religious hymns to pop songs with his iconic rendition of "White Christmas," which he first sang on the Kraft Music Hall radio program in 1941.

18. Recording Challenges: The original master copy of "White Christmas" was so popular that it got damaged, necessitating a re-recording in 1947.

19. Family Life: Crosby married actress Dixie Lee in 1930, and they had four children together. However, their marriage was threatened by his heavy drinking and partying, but they remained together until her death from ovarian cancer in 1952.

20. Personal Life: Despite his fame, Crosby remained down-to-earth and approachable. He enjoyed hearing himself sing and continued to perform even when he thought the public might tire of him.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Crosby was deeply involved in philanthropy and had a wide range of personal interests.

21. Philanthropic Contributions: Crosby made significant contributions to various charitable causes, including children’s hospitals and organizations aiding veterans, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.

22. National Institution: Life magazine described Crosby as "America's number one star," highlighting his immense popularity and influence on American culture.

23. Record Sales: Over 60 million Crosby discs have been marketed since he made his first record in 1931, with "White Christmas" being his biggest best seller, selling 2 million copies in the U.S. and 250,000 in Great Britain.

24. Influence on Singers: Nine out of ten singers and bandleaders listened to Crosby's broadcasts each Thursday night and followed his lead, showcasing his immense influence on the music industry.

Technological Contributions

Bing Crosby was also a pioneer in the field of audio technology, making significant contributions that shaped the industry.

25. Impact on Audio Technology: In 1988, Crosby was honored with the National Medal of Technology for his contributions to the advancement of audio recording technology, highlighting his innovative spirit and impact on the industry.

26. Christmas Television Specials: Crosby’s Christmas television specials became a beloved holiday tradition, featuring holiday music, festive decorations, and special guest appearances.

27. Final Album: Crosby recorded his final album weeks before his death in 1977, which was a testament to his enduring legacy in the music world.

28. Death: Crosby suffered a fatal heart attack on October 14, 1977, while playing golf in Madrid, Spain. His last TV appearance was in "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" (1977), which was taped in London and broadcast after his death.

Legacy and Influence

Bing Crosby's legacy extends beyond his music and films. He remains a cultural icon, symbolizing the amiable and humorous citizen of a free land.

29. Legacy: Crosby’s legacy extends beyond his music and films. He remains a cultural icon, symbolizing the amiable and humorous citizen of a free land. His impact on American entertainment is still felt today.

30. Filmography: Crosby made over 70 feature films, including classics like "Holiday Inn," "Going My Way," and "The Bells of St. Mary’s,” which showcased his versatility as an actor.

31. Collaborations: His collaborations with other stars, such as Fred Astaire and Bob Hope, resulted in some of the most memorable films of the era, including the "Road to” series and "Holiday Inn”.

32. Signature Song: Crosby’s signature song was “Swinging on a Star,” which became synonymous with him and further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.

33. Philanthropic Activities: Besides supporting children’s hospitals and veterans’ organizations, Crosby also contributed to various other charitable causes throughout his career.

34. Business Ventures: In addition to owning part of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, Crosby also invested in various other business ventures, including horse racing and golf courses.

35. Personal Interests: Besides music and film, Crosby had a passion for sports, particularly golf and horse racing. He actively participated in these sports and even owned and bred racehorses.

36. Family Ties: Crosby had a large family with multiple marriages and children. His eldest son, Gary Crosby, was vocal about his father’s legacy and continued to promote his music after his death.

37. Impact on Pop Culture: Crosby’s influence on pop culture extends beyond his music and films. He became a symbol of America, representing the amiable and humorous citizen of a free land.

38. Recording Techniques: Crosby was known for his innovative approach to recording techniques. He often recorded multiple tracks simultaneously, which became a standard practice in the music industry.

39. Collaborations with Other Artists: Crosby collaborated with many other artists, including Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, and Ethel Merman. These collaborations resulted in some of the most memorable films and songs of the era.

40. Impact on the Music Industry: Crosby’s impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. He dominated the music charts with nearly 300 hit singles to his credit and influenced generations of singers and musicians.

41. Philanthropic Recognition: In addition to the National Medal of Technology, Crosby received numerous other awards and recognitions for his philanthropic efforts, including his contributions to children’s hospitals and veterans’ organizations.

42. Business Acumen: Crosby demonstrated excellent business acumen throughout his career. He was a shrewd investor and entrepreneur who diversified his investments in various sectors, including sports and entertainment.

43. Personal Life Challenges: Despite his fame and success, Crosby faced personal life challenges, including a threatened divorce from his first wife, Dixie Lee, due to his heavy drinking and partying.

44. Legacy in Film: Crosby’s legacy in film is significant. He starred in numerous classics, including "Going My Way” and “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” which earned him several Academy Award nominations.

45. Impact on Television: Crosby’s impact on television was also substantial. His Christmas specials became a beloved holiday tradition, featuring holiday music, festive decorations, and special guest appearances.

46. Recording Legacy: Crosby’s recording legacy is immense. He recorded over 1,600 songs and holds the record for the best-selling single of all time with “White Christmas,” which sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

47. Collaborations with Other Musicians: Crosby collaborated with many other musicians, including Fred Astaire and Irving Berlin. These collaborations resulted in some of the most memorable songs and films of the era.

48. Impact on Pop Music: Crosby’s impact on pop music is significant. He changed the face of Christmas music with his iconic rendition of “White Christmas,” which became a staple of holiday playlists around the world.

49. Philanthropic Activities: Crosby was known for his philanthropic activities, supporting various charitable causes throughout his career. He made significant contributions to children’s hospitals and veterans’ organizations.

50. Enduring Legacy: Crosby’s enduring legacy extends beyond his music and films. He remains a cultural icon, symbolizing the amiable and humorous citizen of a free land. His impact on American entertainment is still felt today, making him one of the most beloved figures in the history of show business.

Bing Crosby's Lasting Impact

Bing Crosby's influence on music, film, and pop culture remains undeniable. From his early days in Spokane to becoming a household name, Crosby's journey is a testament to his talent and versatility. With over 1,600 recorded songs, countless hit singles, and memorable film roles, he set a high bar for entertainers. His rendition of "White Christmas" alone sold over 100 million copies, making it the best-selling single of all time. Beyond his professional achievements, Crosby's philanthropic efforts and passion for sports showcased his multifaceted personality. His collaborations with stars like Bob Hope and Fred Astaire brought joy to millions. Even after his passing in 1977, Crosby's legacy endures, inspiring new generations of artists. Bing Crosby wasn't just a star; he was a cultural icon whose contributions continue to resonate today.