Most people remember Bing Crosby today as the white crooner who sang White Christmas. He’s a man who’s memories are regulated today to dusty old Holiday albums, Hawaiian novelty songs, and over-emphasized Bs.
But the writer Gary Giddins says that the Bing Crosby we’ve all forgotten was the most influential, the most successful and the most popular performer who dominated American pop-culture for the first half of the twentieth century. As a pioneer jazz singer, Bing Crosby was a musical innovator who hold records for most number one singles, most studio recordings and most popular song.
As an entertainer he was the number one movie attraction, hosted radio’s top music program, and was the epitome of cool. As an innovator he rethought the recording industry, remodeled the film star, and remade the American song. We’re breathing new life into the career of Bing Crosby.
(Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
Guests:
Gary Giddins, author of “Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams, The Early Years 1903-1940.”