Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby, (1904-1977), American singer and actor, born Harry Lillis Crosby in Takoma, Washington. While studying law at Gonzaga University he began singing professionally and became famous as one of the Rhythm Boys of Paul Whiteman, with whom he made his feature debut in King of Jazz (1930). He had already appeared in a short film, Two Plus Fours (1930), and he subsequently made others, built around his solo record hits. His radio popularity brought him a starring role with Paramount in The Big Broadcast (1932), beginning a long and successful association with that company.

Crosby's developing comic gift was confirmed by Road to Singapore (1940) along with its six follow-ups, also with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour, while White Christmas by Irving Berlin, which he sang in Holiday Inn (1942), became the best-selling record of all time. Crosby's Oscar-winning role as a priest in Going My Way (1944) made him the top-ranking star in the United States until a run of poor films diminished his position in the late 1940s. He essayed serious roles with ease, for example, The Country Girl (1954), and had a last big success (at MGM) in High Society (1956). He continued as both actor and all-round entertainer in television until his death.