Bing Crosby

Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby was a titan of American popular entertainment in the early and mid-1900s. He got his start singing with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, then rapidly moved to radio with a show on CBS in 1932. He remained a constant figure on radio into the 1950s.

In addition to his radio and singing career, Crosby also appeared in many films, most notably Holiday Inn and White Christmas, both of which included the Irving Berlin song, "White Christmas," which has become a Christmas standard. (Of the two films, I prefer the former). He also appeared in the popular Road series of comedies, along with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour, who costarred in all but the last one.

A shrewd businessman, Crosby invested his earnings wisely, becoming quite wealthy. In the 1950s and 1960s, his production company, Bing Crosby Productions, was responsible for a string of television hits, including Hogans Heroes and Ben Casey.

A fan of the ponies, he was instrumental in founding the Del Mar Racetrack. An avid golfer with a very low handicap, he died while playing golf in Spain in 1977. His brother, Bob, also had a successful musical career, but never achieved the level of fame of his older brother.

For more information, see the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Series description provided by Frank Bell.