Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. was the co-owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He owned and bred racehorses. He was a shareholder of Minute Maid orange juice. He revolutionized the recording industry with reel-to-reel tape recorders and magnetic tape. His early golf tournaments would later influence and popularize the PGA Tour. But all of these accomplishments were mere small side projects for Bing Crosby. His day job? Being one of the most influential musicians and entertainers in the 20th century.
Because Bing Crosby was such a multimedia sensation, there are many records, videos, and broadcasts that capture his performances. Here are some videos to enjoy from different stages of his career, some of which are featured in this episode.
Bing sings as one third of "The Rhythm Boys"
Bing and Eddie Lang perform "Please" from "The Big Broadcast" (1932)
"White Christmas" from Holiday Inn
Check out this episode’s companion playlist on Spotify for all featured songs, as well as bonus records. View a transcript of this episode here.
Song List:
“Some Sunny Day;” Performed by Bing Crosby; Written by Irving Berlin; RCA Victor, 1957
“I’ve Got the Girl!;” Performed by Bing Crosby, Al Rinker, & Don Clark and His Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel Orchestra; Written by Walter Donaldson; Columbia Records, 1926
“That’s My Weakness Now;” Performed by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra & the Rhythm Boys; Written by Sam H. Step & Bud Green; Columbia, 1927
“Muddy Waters;” Performed by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra; Written by Trent, Derose, & Richmond; Victor, 1927
“Ol’ Man River;” Performed by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra; Written by Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern; Victor, 1928
“Ol’ Man River;” Performed by Bing Crosby & Buddy Cole Trio; Written by Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern; Geffen Records, 1955
“From Monday On;” Performed by Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra; Written by Harry Barris & Bing Crosby; Victor, 1928
“Dinah;” Performed by Bing Crosby & The Mills Brothers; Written by H. Akst, Sam. Lewis, & J. Young; Brunswick, 1932
“Just One More Chance;” Performed by Bing Crosby; Written by Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow; Brunswick, 1931
“Please;” Performed by Bing Crosby & Eddie Lang; Written by Ralph Rainger & Leo Robin; From The Big Broadcast, 1932
“Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day;” Performed by Bing Crosby; Written by R. Turk, F.E. Ahlert, & B. Crosby; Brunswick, 1931
“Swinging on a Star;” From Paramount Picture Going My Way; Performed by Bing Crosby with the Williams Brothers Quartet; Written by Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke; Decca Records, 1944
“White Christmas;” From Paramount Picture Holiday Inn; Performed by Bing Crosby; Written by Irving Berlin; Decca Records, 1942
“Alexander’s Ragtime Band;” Performed by Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, & Morris Stoloff & His Orchestra; Written by Irving Berlin; Geffen Records, 1947
“Sam’s Song (The Happy Tune);” Performed by Bing Crosby, Gary Crosby & Matty Matlock’s All-Stars; Written by Lew Quadling & Jack Elliott; UMG Recordings, 1950
“Once in a While;” Performed by Bing Crosby; Written by Bud Green & Michael Edwards; BBC Records, 1977
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