01:00Bing Crosby was born on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, as the fourth of seven children.
01:06His birth name was Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., but his parents called him, Bing, after a popular comic strip character.
01:15Crosby grew up in a working-class Irish-American family and began singing at an early age, often performing for spare change on the streets of Spokane, Washington.
01:24Crosby's family was Catholic, and he attended Catholic schools as a child.
01:29He was even briefly a choir boy at a local church, which helped to develop his singing skills.
01:34In addition to singing, Crosby was also a talented athlete and played on his high school's football and baseball teams.
01:41He was even offered a contract to play professional baseball, but turned it down to focus on his music career.
01:46Despite his natural talent, Crosby struggled in school and dropped out at the age of 15 to pursue a career in music.
01:56His early years were marked by poverty and family hardships, but his love of music and determination to succeed helped him to overcome these challenges and rise to become one of the most successful and beloved performers of his time.
02:08Bing Crosby's career began in the 1920s when he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a professional singer.
02:17He began performing in local clubs and theaters, and soon caught the attention of bandleader Paul Whiteman, who hired him to sing with his orchestra.
02:25Crosby's smooth, relaxed style and warm, expressive voice quickly made him a popular performer, and he began recording for major record labels like Columbia and Decca.
02:35But it's a different story, and now, not about music.
02:49Bing Crosby was an early adopter and advocate of new technologies.
02:53He saw the potential for the tape recorder and was the first to use it to pre-record his radio shows, revolutionizing the way radio was produced.
03:01His support for the technology industry also extended to investing in companies like Ampex, which developed the first practical videotape recorder.
03:12Bing Crosby was a pioneer in the concept of the album, which was a departure from the traditional single-release format.
03:19He released many successful albums throughout his career, including the best-selling Merry Christmas album, which featured his iconic rendition of White Christmas.
03:28His success with albums helped to establish the format as a major force in the music industry.
03:35Bing Crosby's recording of, Silent Night, is one of the most successful and beloved Christmas songs of all time.
03:42It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and is a classic example of Crosby's unique vocal style and artistry.
03:49The song continues to be a favorite of many during the holiday season and remains an enduring part of Crosby's legacy.
04:00Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra were two of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th century, and their partnership was legendary.
04:08They recorded several successful duets together, including the Cole Porter classic, Well, Did You Ever?, and the title song from the movie, High Society.
04:18Their collaboration was a major event in the world of music and remains a beloved part of both men's legacies.
04:26Bing Crosby was a dedicated philanthropist who supported numerous charitable causes throughout his life.
04:32He was a founding member of the United Service Organizations, USO, which provided entertainment and support to American troops during World War II.
04:43In addition to his successful career in music and entertainment, Bing Crosby was also an avid horse racing enthusiast.
04:50He owned a stable of racehorses and trained them himself, often spending time at the track and attending equestrian events.
04:56Bing Crosby was an accomplished horseman, and his love for horses was a significant part of his personal life outside of the spotlight.
05:07Bing Crosby was a notable figure in the civil rights movement, and he used his platform to advocate for racial equality.
05:15He refused to perform at venues that enforced segregation, and he often worked with black musicians and performers, including his friend and collaborator Louis Armstrong.
05:23Bing Crosby also appeared in a number of films that dealt with racial themes, such as, The Emperor Waltz, and, The Birth of the Blues.
05:34Bing Crosby was not only a successful musician, but also a talented actor.
05:39He appeared in a variety of film genres, including musicals, dramas, and comedies.
05:44In addition to his Oscar-winning performance in, Going My Way, he also received critical acclaim for his roles in films such as, The Country Girl, and, High Society.
05:54Crosby was known for his easy-going and natural acting style, which made him a popular leading man in Hollywood.
06:03Bing Crosby's weekly television show, The Bing Crosby Show, was one of the first successful variety shows on television, featuring a mix of music, comedy, and guest appearances.
06:13The show was a hit with audiences and helped to establish Crosby as a major television personality.
06:20It also featured many up-and-coming artists, including Elvis Presley, who made his national television debut on the show in 1956.
06:32Bing Crosby, in addition to being a renowned singer and actor, was an enthusiastic golfer.
06:37He owned a golf course in Nevada, which he named the Crosby Ranch, and it became a popular destination for golf enthusiasts.
06:45Crosby's passion for the sport and his investment in the Crosby Ranch continue to be remembered as a testament to his love of golf.
06:57Bing Crosby was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1971.
07:01This honor was bestowed upon him as a recognition of his significant impact on the genre of country music
07:08and his collaborations with notable country artists such as Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney.
07:15Crosby's contributions to the development of country music continue to be celebrated to this day.
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