Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby
- Born:
- May 3, 1903, Tacoma, Washington, USA
- Died:
- October 14, 1977, Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born Harry Lillis Crosby into a Catholic family.
- Nickname "Bing" originated from a newspaper cartoon strip called "The Bingville Bugle."
- Studied law at Gonzaga University but did not graduate, focusing on music instead.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to fame in the late 1920s and early 1930s as a singer with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra.
- Became a solo recording artist and radio personality in the 1930s.
- Starred in numerous films, becoming one of Hollywood's biggest box office draws.
- Developed a relaxed, intimate vocal style that influenced generations of singers.
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Going My Way" (1944).
- By the time of the "bing crosby biography 1940" update to this document, Crosby had already established himself as a major star in radio, film, and music.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 | Reaching for the Moon | Bing Crosby |
| 1932 | The Big Broadcast | Bing Crosby |
| 1936 | Pennies from Heaven | Larry Poole |
| 1942 | Holiday Inn | Jim Hardy |
| 1944 | Going My Way | Father Chuck O'Malley |
Discography (Selected)
- "White Christmas" (one of the best-selling singles of all time)
- "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"
- "Swinging on a Star"
- "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"
Legacy and Impact
Bing Crosby was a hugely influential figure in 20th-century entertainment. His distinctive vocal style, his success in radio, film, and recording, and his impact on popular culture are undeniable. He remains one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.