During World War II, the swing was used as a soft tool by the political forces and government authorities to lift the spirits of the soldiers at the war. From recording radio shows to travelling worldwide with military troops, swing artists had helped America fight against his enemies. In this context, we also have to talk about Bing Crosby whose popularity grew by leaps and bounds across entertainment media around the wartime. Crosby became an enviable name not only on the domestic front but his active involvement in the Armed Forces Radio Services made him famous offshore as well. Given his legacy, his songs and radio shows are preserved in the form of old time radio recordings in the USA. Here, we shall discuss what made Bing Crosby the star that he had become…. Why his personality stole the limelight from others…. and why he should be remembered even after so many decades…. So, let’s begin.
His journey to becoming a big band artist
Born as Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., the singer got the nickname “Bing” from his childhood days. Interested in music, Crosby dropped out from his University without a degree. Following this, he collaborated with Al Rinker and got a job at one of the theatres in Spokane. However, the real credit goes to Rinker’s sister, Mildred Bailey, who introduced Crosby and his group to influential artists. Consequently, they secured an assignment with Fanchon and Macro Time Agency for a show named “The Syncopation Idea”. Their aspiring band was soon noticed and picked by the Paul Whiteman organization. By adding the third member, “The Rhythm Boys” band was formed which not only played as a part of the Whitman band but also collaborated with the Dorsey Brothers and Frankie Trumbauer.
Launching his solo career
The success of the movie “The King Of Jazz” made Bing Crosby a star overnight. It also encouraged him to break off from the band in search of his solo identity in the entertainment industry. Bing Crosby went on a recording spree with top artists of those times. From Louis Armstrong and Jimmy Dorsey to Jack Teagarden and Louis Jordan, Crosby recorded successful hits with popular vocalists. The fact that listeners still request these songs on the big band music station in the USA speaks about the legacy and immortality these tracks have earned. In 1932, Crosby appeared in the movie “The Big Broadcast” that consisted of an introductory song “Where the Blue of the Night Meets the Gold of the Day” written by him. Needless to say, it became a big hit once again!
World War II and a new chapter in life
On the eve of America’s involvement in the War, Bing Crosby was already a star with hit tracks and several films to his credit in the USA. However, it was in 1942 that Crosby gave the biggest hit of his lifetime with “White Christmas”. Written by Irving Berlin, the song is widely remembered for Crosby’s perfect baritone voice. Besides this feat, this was also the time when Bing Crosby won an Oscar for his role in “Going My Way”. He became an equally popular personality on the radio with his program under Kraft Music Hall. Crosby’s preference for recorded transcriptions benefited him tremendously. He transplanted the idea on his “The Command Performance” series on the Armed Forces Radio. By recording and producing error-free music, he perfected his job as a radio host and singer, and entertained people dedicatedly. With the old time radio recordings in the USA, Swing Street Radio strives to keep alive the legacy of Bing Crosby and his all-rounded workmanship.
Conclusion – From the motion pictures to the music industry and radio programs, Bing Crosby led multimedia with glory and ease. Swing Street Radio, the big band music station in the USA is committed to preserve and celebrate his legendary work through recordings. To enjoy several other hits by swing artists, tune into the frequencies on which Swing Street Radio shows are aired, or you can simply download the app on your phone.
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