Bing Crosby Productions, affiliated with Desilu Studios and later CBS Television Studios, produced a number of television series, including Crosby's own unsuccessful ABC sitcom The Bing Crosby Show in the 19641965 season (with co-stars Beverly Garland and Frank McHugh). Back Bay Books. In the over 280 pages of Crosby's FBI files all but one reference to organized crime or gambling dens are content of a few of the many threats that Bing Crosby received throughout his life. I think it all got a little out of hand. When they appeared solo, Crosby and Hope frequently made note of the other in a comically insulting fashion. As I passed a Hindu sitting on the corner of a street, I heard something surprisingly familiar. In 1977, after Crosby died, the song was re-released and reached No. The Northern California home that movie star Bing Crosby once lived in hits the market for $13.75 million Dennis Mayer | OMARSHALL Real Estate The 3 acre Northern California estate where "White. In 1937, Crosby hosted the first 'Crosby Clambake', a pro-am tournament at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California, the event's location prior to World War II. bing! [125] On October 14, at the La Moraleja Golf Course near Madrid, Crosby played 18 holes of golf. 4 Beds. University Press of Kentucky. Father, with singer Dixie Lee, of sons Gary Crosby, Phillip Crosby & Dennis Crosby (twins) and Lindsay Crosby. When the electric power failed during his performance, he continued singing without amplification. After a threat of divorce in March 1931, he applied himself to his career. Through audio recordings, he produced his radio programs with the same directorial tools and craftsmanship (editing, retaking, rehearsal, time shifting) used in motion picture production, a practice that became the industry standard. Let's go have a Coca-Cola." The Andrews Sisters Story". Crosby was born on May 3, 1903,[16][17] in Tacoma, Washington, in a house his father built at 1112 North J Street. In 1929, the Rhythm Boys appeared in the film King of Jazz with Whiteman, but Crosby's growing dissatisfaction with Whiteman led to the Rhythm Boys leaving his organization. Without him, Jack Kapp wouldn't have had a chance in hell of making Decca work and the Great Depression would have wiped out phonograph records for good."[43]. In his autobiography Don't Shoot, It's Only Me! Bing Crosby married actress Kathryn Grant in 1957 and raised a second family. [97], Crosby reportedly had an alcohol problem between the late 1920s and early 1930s, but he got a handle on his drinking in 1931. We had our differences, but we were raised to respect our parents, to do what they said. The song appeared in his films Holiday Inn (1942), anda decade laterin White Christmas (1954). Specialties: The historic Bing Crosby Theater is an entertainment venue situated in the heart of the downtown Spokane entertainment district . [51] In the framework of the novelty-singing style of the Rhythm Boys, he bent notes and added off-tune phrasing, an approach that was rooted in jazz. [30] Gonzaga University houses a large collection of photographs, correspondence, and other material related to Crosby.[31]. [87][88] The restored broadcast was shown on MLB Network in December 2010. He always believed he was born on May 2, 1904. But Jack Kapp, manager of Brunswick and later Decca, talked him into dropping many of his jazzier mannerisms in favor of a clear vocal style. Songs co-written by Crosby include: Four performances by Bing Crosby have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance". Their duet was released in 1982 as a single 45-rpm record and reached No. Harry: 2. He made a fortune from the Minute Maid Orange Juice Corporation, in which he was a principal stockholder.[73]. Times have changed, and Spokane has grown, but you can still see a show at the historic theater in Washington . If we didn't, we got punished. [127] At the clubhouse and later in the ambulance, house physician Dr. Laiseca tried to revive him, but was unsuccessful. Dennis Jr.'s daughter and Bing's grandmother, Kate, had a love for music. Crosby invested $50,000 in Ampex with the intent to produce more machines. When they got a chance to present an independent act, they were spotted by a member of the Paul Whiteman organization. Gary Crosby died of lung cancer in 1995 at age 62, and Phillip Crosby died of a heart attack in 2004 at age 69.[120]. Edit Search New Search Jump to Filters. Al and Miles Rinker (brothers of singer Mildred Bailey), James Heaton, Claire Pritchard and Robert Pritchard, along with drummer Crosby, formed the Musicaladers,[5] who performed at dances both for high school students and club-goers. He was the son of bookkeeper Harry Lowe Crosby, and his wife Catherine Helen "Kate" (ne Harrigan).He was the fourth of seven children including brothers Larry, Everett, Ted, and Bob; and two sisters, Catherine and Mary Rose.. In a poll of U.S. troops at the close of World War II, Crosby topped the list as the person who had done the most for G.I. The book was I think an attempt of my dad to come to grips with some things in his life. Gary's first wife of 19 years, Barbara Cosentino, of whom Gary wrote in his book, "I could confide in her about Mom and Dad and my childhood",[114] and with whom Gary stayed friendly after the divorce, stated: I do not know if what's in the book is true but he never said anything to me about whippings. [62] The single "White Christmas" sold over 50 million copies according to Guinness World Records. His parents were Harry Lincoln Crosby (aka Harry Lowe Crosby) and Catherine Harrigan. In a memorandum dated January 16, 1959, it is said: Once affectionately dubbed America's dad, the . 'Am I. This can be observed particularly in his straight jazz work during the late 1920s/early 1930s, his recordings with Buddy Cole and His Trio from the mid 1950s, as well as in his numerous collaborations with such jazz musicians as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Venuti, or Eddie Lang. The game was one of the most famous in baseball history, capped off by Bill Mazeroski's walk-off home run that won the game for Pittsburgh. And finally, Catherine . Robert Trachtenberg, a documentary expert, claimed they might have suffered fetal alcohol syndrome. bing! Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreamsthe Early Years, 1903-1940. [50] It was on this special that he recorded a duet of "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" with rock musician David Bowie. American Masters: Rediscovering Bing Crosby (2015) | PBS, I Found a Million Dollar Baby (in a Five and Ten Cent Store), Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day), National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You, I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You, Chesterfield Cigarettes Presents Music that Satisfies, Bing Crosby on Armed Forces Radio in World War II, The Bing Crosby Show for General Electric, White Christmas (re-issue of album above), "MUSIC; Bing Crosby, The Unsung King of Song", "Sylvester Stallone Could Join Exclusive Oscar Company with 'Creed' Nomination", "Engineering and Technology History Wiki", "Crosby, Bing (19031977) and Mildred Bailey (19071951), Spokane", "Gonzaga History 19801989 Gonzaga University", "Bing Crosby and Gonzaga University: 19031925 Gonzaga University", "Bing Crosby ~ Timeline: Bing Crosby's Life and Career", "Bing Crosby and Gonzaga University: 19031925", "LibGuides: Manuscript Collections: Crosby", "She Loves Me Not, starring Bing Crosby and Nan Grey", "Harry Crosby Got Nickname from Cartoon; Started as 'Bingville' and Was Later Shortened to Bing", Early KHQ broadcast from the Davenport Hotel Spokane, "Bing Crosby- Bing! In his 1950 film Mr. Music, he is seen singing into an Ampex tape recorder that reproduced his voice better than anything else. [108], Crosby's younger son Phillip disputed his brother Gary's claims about their father. Crosby started the tape recorder revolution in America. It is said that his nickname Bing was derived from "Bingo from Bingville" which a neighborhood kid had taken to calling him. After graduating from high school at age 15, she . These were his last words. 1. Gary Crosby's adopted son, Steven Crosby, said in a 2003 interview: In the early years, I think, like any family you are going to butt heads with your mom, your dad and your brothers and sisters. At his death in 1977 at age 73, he left his money in a blind trust, which none of the sons--whose youthful escapades were well . (2012). [129], Crosby is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in the radio division.[130]. Signing an agreement with Columbia for a single motion picture, Crosby wanted Armstrong to appear in a screen adaptation of The Peacock Feather that eventually became Pennies from Heaven. Throughout his career, Crosby often credited Bailey for getting him his first important job in the entertainment business. Bing's second and third children were twin boys, Dennis and Phillip Crosby. Bing Crosby with Harry Crosby, Kathryn Grant Crosby, Mary Frances Crosby, Nathaniel Crosby The crooner was 58 when his youngest son was born and Nathaniel admits: "I was very aware of. Hammar, Peter. [58], Crosby's was among the most popular and successful musical acts of the 20th century. "[70] His popularity in India led many Hindu singers to imitate and emulate him, notably Kishore Kumar, considered the "Bing Crosby of India". [39], Success with Whiteman was followed by disaster when they reached New York. As a young man in 1925, Bing took his love for the stage to the Clemmer Theater in Spokane, where he worked providing musical entertainment during intermission. [125] About 20 yards (18m) from the clubhouse entrance, Crosby collapsed and died instantly from a massive heart attack. He returned to broadcasting for the last 13 weeks of the 19451946 season. All that matters to him is the words, and that's the only thing that ought to for you, too. Eventually, Crosby became accomplished at the sport, at his best reaching a two handicap. [3] However, Crosby's FBI files had already been published in 1992 and provide no indication that Crosby had ties to the Mafia except for one major, but accidental encounter in Chicago in 1929 which is not mentioned in the files, but is told by Crosby himself in his as-told-to autobiography Call Me Lucky. He received critical acclaim for his performance as an alcoholic entertainer in The Country Girl and received his third Academy Award nomination.[49]. [59] In 1960 Crosby was honored as "First Citizen of Record Industry" based on having sold 200 million discs. bing!, as my luckless victim fell clutching his side, I would shout bing! [38] Hired for $150 a week in 1926, they debuted with Whiteman on December 6 at the Tivoli Theatre in Chicago. In 2006, Crosby's niece through his sister Mary Rose, Carolyn Schneider, published the laudatory book Me and Uncle Bing. Crosby influenced the development of the post World War II recording industry. He first took up golf at age 12 as a caddy. Discover Bing Crosby's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Free shipping for many products! Actress Patricia Neal (who herself at the time was having an affair with the married Gary Cooper) wrote in her 1988 autobiography As I Am about a trip on a cruise ship to England with actress Joan Caulfield in 1948: She [Joan Caulfield] was a lovely girl and we had some good talks. In 2010, the estate of Bing Crosby's first wife battled for a share of the earnings of Bing's estate, based on changes in the law. His organization, the Crosby Research Foundation, held tape recording patents and developed equipment and recording techniques such as the laugh track that are still in use. [116][117], Crosby's will established a blind trust in which none of the sons received an inheritance until they reached the age of 65, intended by Crosby to keep them out of trouble. Amateur championships, was a five-time club champion at Lakeside Golf Club in Hollywood, and once made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole at Cypress Point. "[69], Presenter Mike Douglas commented in a 1975 interview, "During my days in the Navy in World War II, I remember walking the streets of Calcutta, India, on the coast; it was a lonely night, so far from my home and from my new wife, Gen. Prigozy, Ruth, and Walter Raubicheck, eds. [3]:9297[37] Crosby and Al Rinker obtained work at the Clemmer Theatre in Spokane (now known as the Bing Crosby Theater). The additional voice meant they could be heard more easily in large New York theaters. Bing Cosby was born on May 3, 1903, and his birth name is Harry Lillis Crosby. They had a lively style that was popular with college students. In an interview for the same article, Gary clarified that Bing "was like a lot of fathers of that time. [123], In September, Crosby, his family and singer Rosemary Clooney began a concert tour of Britain that included two weeks at the London Palladium. [83][84] Operating from the Del Mar Racetrack at Del Mar, California, the group included millionaire businessman Charles S. Howard, who owned a successful racing stable that included Seabiscuit. After it began broadcasting, the station was sold within a year to Northern Pacific Radio and Television Corporation. "Now You Has Jazz" in the film High Society (1956). They have all reportedly described their father as loving and kind. Bing Crosby's troubled first family. He was the number one box office attraction for five consecutive years, 1944 to 1948. He could do four shows a week, if he chose, and then take a month off. His Legendary Years How's the sound? Crosby's insistence eventually factored into the further development of magnetic tape sound recording and the radio industry's widespread adoption of it. I think there was some father-son stuff that everyone has. Dennis died in 1991 at the age of 56. They've been living in their Holmby Hills home for ten years that's a lot of memories. "[32][33], As it happens, that story was pure whimsy for dramatic effect; the Associated Press had reported as early as February 1932as would later be confirmed by both Bing himself and his biographer Charles Thompsonthat it was in fact a neighborValentine Hobart, circa 1910who had named him "Bingo from Bingville" after a comic feature in the local paper called The Bingville Bugle which the young Harry liked. His trip was filmed for The American Sportsman on ABC, although all did not go well at first as the salmon were not running. [83] Charles' son, Lindsay C. Howard, became one of Crosby's closest friends; Crosby named his son Lindsay after him, and would purchase his 40-room Hillsborough, California estate from Lindsay in 1965. Mullin had not yet succeeded with videotape, so Crosby filmed the series of 26-minute shows at the Hal Roach Studios, and the "telefilms" were syndicated to individual television stations. I don't think he did anything wrong. Most fans of Bing Crosby remember his family from the iconic Christmas specials in which his wife Kathryn and their three grown children sang carols and palled around with celebrities like. Murdo MacKenzie of Bing Crosby Enterprises had seen a demonstration of the German Magnetophon in June 1947the same device that Jack Mullin had brought back from Radio Frankfurt with 50 reels of tape, at the end of the war. Crosby, Stills, and Nash's debut album, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, was released in 1969 and gained critical praise. [118] They were instead receiving several thousand dollars per month from a trust left in 1952 by their mother, Dixie Lee. Some of the best moments in comedy came when a line was blown and the star had to rely on wit to rescue a bad situation. A couple of weeks later he had a show that wasn't very funny, and he insisted that we put in the salvaged laughs. Advertisement Trachtenberg satisfied his curiosity after he showed the boys' photos to USC specialists. In 1996, Dixie's trust sued HLC and Kathryn for declaratory relief as to the trust's entitlement to interest, dividends, royalties, and other income derived from the community property of Crosby and Dixie. His first marriage was to a shy 20-year-old actress, Wilma Wyatt, whose stage name was "Dixie Lee." Her father and friends generally opposed the marriage to Bing, age 27, on the grounds that he was an irresponsible playboy. They performed together countless times on stage, radio, film, and television, and made numerous brief and not so brief appearances together in movies aside from the "Road" pictures, Variety Girl (1947) being an example of lengthy scenes and songs together along with billing. [11] In 1963, Crosby received the first Grammy Global Achievement Award. Philip Crosby Sr. is survived by his four children, Mary Elizabeth Crosby, Dixie Lee Crosby, Flip Crosby, and Philip Crosby Jr.; and three half-siblings from his father's second marriage. Dave Crosby Popularity Most Popular #18311 At age three, the family moved to Spokane. The Clemmer Theatre, as the Bing Crosby Theater was originally called, opened in 1915. The "telefilms" were syndicated to individual television stations. Crosby and Armstrong remained warm acquaintances for decades, occasionally singing together in later years, e.g. After The Syncopation Idea closed, they worked in the Will Morrissey Music Hall Revue. At Reina Victoria Hospital he was administered the last rites of the Catholic Church and was pronounced dead. [15] In addition to his work with early audio tape recording, he helped finance the development of videotape, bought television stations, bred racehorses, and co-owned the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, during which time the team won two World Series (1960 and 1971). ", Gilbert, Roger. [42] He sang four Academy Award winning songs "Sweet Leilani" (1937), "White Christmas" (1942), "Swinging on a Star" (1944), "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" (1951) and won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Going My Way (1944). [98], In December 1999 the New York Post published an article by Bill Hoffmann and Murray Weiss called Bing Crosby's Single Life which claimed that "recently published" FBI files revealed connections with figures in the Mafia "since his youth". The first time, in 1930, was to the actress-singer Dixie Lee, who died of cancer in 1952. The scheduling could now be done at the star's convenience. He matured as a performer and was in demand as a solo singer.[40]. His efforts to cure her with the help of specialists failed. Filmed in Technicolor, it features the songs of Irving Berlin, including a new version of the title song, "White Christmas", introduced by Crosby in the 1942 film Holiday Inn. In October 1925, Crosby and Rinker decided to seek fame in California. That is also the year many film historians consider the beginning of the . Add family member {{strings[data.relationship]}} First & Middle Name(s) Exact. Bing Crosby was married twice. They had four sons - Gary (born 1934), Dennis and Phillip (born 1935), and Lindsay (born 1938). Image Credit: Nbc Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock. As music critic Henry Pleasants noted in The Great American Popular Singers, something new had entered American music, a style that might be called "singing in American" with conversational ease. Exact. Lindsay Crosby, the youngest son of Bing Crosby from the famed crooner's first marriage, shot himself to death in a Las Virgenes apartment after learning that the inheritance he relied on to. We were in the same boat in more ways than one, but I could not tell her so. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bing Crosby And The Columbus Boychoir Sing Family Christmas Favorites LP EX at the best online prices at eBay! and helped morale of the American public. ", Smith, Anthony B. [125] Crosby, who had a 13 handicap, won with his partner by one stroke. Crosby had to do two live radio shows on the same day, three hours apart, for the East and West Coasts. Giddins, Gary (2002). Around the same time, Crosby talked to his mother about his intentions and she protested.