Bing Crosby: A Versatile Artist

During the first half of the 20th century, the best selling artist in the rock era and the most influential and popular radio star of all time is known as Bing Crosby; although his real name is Harry Lillis Crosby. Throughout radio, he dominated the entertainment industry, especially with the use of a microphone, facilitating the transmission of music. Regarding musical styles, he was able to incorporate into his repertory film music, country & western songs, show tunes, religious hymns, patriotic standards, ethnic ballads, and holiday’s favorites. Every song was addressed to a specific type of audience in order to please everybody’s preferences.

It is a fact that his contribution to American popular music is hugely due to his vocal ability and knowledge of it. In addition, his most outstanding characteristic as a persona is his strength to defend what he believes in, his tolerance and tranquility toward certain aspects but quickness to stick to his religious principles and American lifestyle. Crosby together with Harry Barris and Rinker, became the Rhythm Boys, one of the Orchestra’s most popular attractions, that recorded their own hits. After hiring a manager, Crosby started releasing material such as “Out of Nowhere", “I Found a Million-Dollar Baby", “Just One More Chance", and “At Your Command", with Brunswick Records in 1931. At the same time that he was among the top ten most popular film stars, he was producing some of the greatest hits of 1932-1934. For instance, “June in January” was the biggest hit at certain point in his early career.

To work with NBC named Kraft Music Hall, he signed a contract for a radio show. After releasing his biggest hit, “Sweet Leilani", Crosby knew what direction his career had to take the next years. Based on this, he started covering the famous songs of every genre of contemporary music. Even in war times, Crosby had a lot of success; nevertheless, his career was affected by the increasing of rock & roll in the 50s. For this reason, he dedicated more time to focus on album-oriented projects and contributions from other vocalists and bands, instead of singing pop singles on his radio show.