- Bing Crosby is a famous singer
- He influenced many great artists of the 20th and 21st centuries
- Learn more about Bing's incredible career in memoriam
Born on May 3rd, 1903 in Tacoma, Washington, Bing Crosby is considered to be one of the most iconic singers and actors ever. His music has influenced many great artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The start of Bing Crosby's career
Although Bing Crosby started his musical career with his partner Al Rinker in Washington, the pair ended up moving to California in 1925 to pursue singing success. It was there that they started performing at different revues, as well as earning a solid amount of money. They were then discovered by composer Paul Whiteman, who ultimately gave the duo new opportunities in the music industry.
In 1925, a new group was formed called "The Rhythm Boys", consisting of Bing Crosby, Al Rinker, and Harry Barris. The men gained a large audience in New York and even went on tour. However, just a few years later, Crosby would depart from the group as he found major success as a solo singer. By 1931, he had his first solo radio debut and released some of the most popular songs of that year.
Bing Crosby's success and friendships
Crosby had always admired singer and trumpeter Louis Armstrong. When the two finally met in the 1930s, they hit it off. They both starred in the film, Pennies from Heaven (1936) and Crosby had even made sure that Armstrong would get equal billing as their white co-stars.
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Through the Years...
By Christmas Day 1941, Crosby had hit another monumental moment in his career. He released a recording of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", and it would then appear in the film Holiday Inn (1942). From then on, the song rose to number 1 on the charts, where it would stay for 11 weeks. It topped the charts yet again in 1945 and 1947. Today, the recording has sold over 100 million copies around the world.
Bing Crosby continued his success both musically and in acting until his death on October 14, 1977. His filmography includes, but is not limited to: White Christmas (1954), Going My Way (1944), The Bells of St. Mary's (1945), The Country Girl (1954), and Anything Goes (1956). He has won both an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award, as well as having been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame three times for radio, recording and motion picture. Crosby is survived by his wife, actress Kathryn Crosby.
