Posted: 6/27/2015
Trigger
Just watched for the first time Bing Crosby Rediscovered - Full Film on PBS American Masters (first aired on 12/2/2014). This is a highly recommendable film!
I had no idea that this guy was so much more than a popular singer and movie star.
Some Takeaways
- The first mega multi media star in the U.S.
- He sold the most top songs ever!
- One of the first to use microphone and tape recordings (had even a venture in tape recorders)
- Interesting rivalries between Bing Crosby and e.g. Frank Sinatra
- An easy going guy trying to live a sunny life and trying to have fun. He was quite a comedian.
- Helped several other singers (e.g. Judy Garland) when their careers were at a crossroad because of personal life issues
- His long running show together with Bob Hope is amazing (I did not really know about it, because it was before my time)
- Frequent performances during World War II before military audiences overseas (I thought, it was Bob Hope?)
- Secured a remuneration for Louis Armstrong performance on TV equal to what was customary for white performers
- Generally stayed away from politicians and presidents (smart move)
- Tragic first marriage and tragic loss of his four sons from his first marriage
- I am sure, I forgot something … :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment