Sunday, June 28, 2015

Great Bing Crosby Documentary On American Masters

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

  1. The first mega multi media star in the U.S.
  2. He sold the most top songs ever!
  3. One of the first to use microphone and tape recordings (had even a venture in tape recorders)
  4. Interesting rivalries between Bing Crosby and e.g. Frank Sinatra
  5. An easy going guy trying to live a sunny life and trying to have fun. He was quite a comedian.
  6. Helped several other singers (e.g. Judy Garland) when their careers were at a crossroad because of personal life issues
  7. His long running show together with Bob Hope is amazing (I did not really know about it, because it was before my time)
  8. Frequent performances during World War II before military audiences overseas (I thought, it was Bob Hope?)
  9. Secured a remuneration for Louis Armstrong performance on TV equal to what was customary for white performers
  10. Generally stayed away from politicians and presidents (smart move)
  11. Tragic first marriage and tragic loss of his four sons from his first marriage
  12. I am sure, I forgot something … :-)

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