Customer Reviews (2)

Brilliantly written tome, highly recommend. One of the best...
Being a Bing Crosby fan of both music and film, I found this tome very enchanting. It draws the reader into a long gone era of beautiful music and film while profiling the lives of the Crosby family. Kathryn tells her readers about the real Bing, the brilliant and talented husband, father and family man. A true Crosby fan can see thru all the media garbage written about this wonderful performer and finally enjoy the family stories that truly represent this exceptional performer. He was truly an icon, and should be remembered as one. Thank you Kathryn for your brutal honesty and enchanting stories.

Intelligently written, very funny, lots of great photos
I bought this book when it first came out twenty years ago.Mrs. Crosby gives a very good insight into the man to whom she was married for almost 20 years and, yet, you never get the impression she gives away more thanBing Crosby would have wanted her to.Their marriage is described as onein which both parties loved each other very much, and yet one that, likeany other, had its ups and downs.Mrs. Crosby writes very well and withgreat humor often poking fun at herself.Its a very enjoyable book filledwith wonderful photos. ... Read more

Product Description
Going My Way: Bing Crosby and American Culture is the first serious study of the singer/actor's art and of his centrality to the history of twentieth-century popular music, film, and the entertainment industry. The volume uses a wide range of scholarly and cultural perspectives to explore Crosby's unique and lasting achievements. It also includes tributes and reminiscences from Bing's widow Kathryn, his grandson Steve, his record producer Ken Barnes, and one of his most popular successors, Michael Feinstein. Other contributors include Gary Giddins, the author of a widely acclaimed recent biography of the singer, and Will Friedwald, the acknowledged expert on the development of the "great American songbook."In addition to studying Bing Crosby's innovations and remarkable achievements as a recording artist, Going My Way explores his accomplishments as an actor, businessman, and radio and television performer. Going My Way makes an impressive case not only for Crosby's considerable talent and inimitable style, but also for his raising the quality of popular singing to the level of art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bing Crosby
Some nice photos and good reading but I'm not into the 'heavy dissection' of things and this, for me, took away from the articles. I feel like I should be a surgeon at times.
A nice presentation though.
Anything Bing is good as far as I'm concerned. ... Read more

Product Description
From Bing Crosby's early days in college minstrel shows and vaudeville, to his first hit recordings, from his 11 year triumph as star of America's most popular radio show, to his first success in Hollywood, Gary Giddins provides a detailed study of the rise of this American star. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

It's hard to remember
My most enduring memory of Bing Crosby was of reading his obituary soon after his death.It told about how he had finished a round of golf in Spain, putted out, shook hands with his playing companions, walked off the green, and fell over dead.What a way to go, I thought, and how so much like his persona was his death.Easy come easy go no mess no fuss.
He had survived Elvis Presley by almost exactly two months.

Like Presley, it didn't take long for the hyenas to start barking.No slight went unpunished on a man who could no longer tell his side of the story. Unlike Presley, there were fewer people around to remember his extraordinary contributions, especially in the early years.Bing went into eclipse.

Pocketful of Dreams is meticulous in research and details.It is James Michener-like in its account of his genealogy.LikeJames Cagney, another icon of Irish Catholic Americans, Crosby was only half Irish.He was descendant from English Puritans on his father's side.Crosby was raised Catholic but his first wife, Dixie, was also of Puritan ancestry who refused to convert.This struck me as important in understanding Crosby's family problems with his older sons.I grew up in a mixed religious family and it can make you crazy.You must stand up for your right to make your own decisions for yourself about who you are and face the inevitable battle.

Giddens also does not gloss over both Bing and Dixie's problems with alcohol.In the early years, it appeared that Bing was headed toward the same deadly fate as his friend Bix Beiderbecke, but was able to pull out of the death spiral.He was able to control his drinking most of the time; something that is almost unheard of among alcoholics and usually is accompanied by what we would call today "anger management issues."Dixie began drinking heavily after they were married and that story apparently awaits the second volume. It is truly a curse.

But the main point of Pocketful of Dreams is that Gary Giddens set out to balance the record and remember why we should care about Bing Crosby. If Crosby had chosen someone to tell his story, he could not have chosen better than Giddens.Giddens has an astonishing command of the popular culture of the 20's and 30's (this book ends in 1940.)

Giddens's storyof Crosby's rise is about how his natural talent as a singer overwhelmed every one who heard him.In each of his early musical groups, they were hired because of his talent. His pitch wasperfect and his timing superb. He could sing in any key. He made it look so easy. He was extraordinary to begin with and he just kept getting better and better throughout the 1920's and 1930's.The same with his acting in the movies and radio broadcasts.

When he first went on radio, he was forbidden to speak because he didn't use the formal pronunciation of that day (which itself sounds hilarious nowadays.)Later, his casual manner of speaking became norm.When he first went in the movies, they made him wear a toupee and they glued his protruding ears back.Eventually, he refused the rubber guming of the ears, understanding at some level that people would get used to seeing his ears poking out of his head.His movies were successful throughout the 1930's, and it is only at the end of this volume that Bob Hope enters the picture with the first of the Road movies.

Bing's recording career lasted longer and produced more hit records than anyone else. When Bing Crosby agreed to follow Joe Kapp from the Brunswick label to Decca records, it began a partnership that defined the popular music of the 78 RPM era.Just reading the discography at the back of the book takes your breath away.

This book is meticulous in recounting the details of his movies and recording sessions. It is a treasure trove of stories and facts not well known.It might be too much for casual readers, but it serves well those of us deeply interested in the cultural era of the 1920's and 30's

Bone dry
Scholarly? Unquestionably!
Well researched? Exhaustingly so!
Detailed? In the extreme!
Factual? Undoubtedly
Informative? Certainly!
(Too) Detailed? Affirmative!
(Too) lengthy? You bet!
Anecdotal? Mwah
Readable? Mwah

Hats off to Giddins for putting Bing Crosby in the right perspective in this well researched, detailed and scholarly account of Bing's early years. That's on the up side. On the down side, Giddins' book is not a
thrilling read. It completely lacks the suspense or surprise that makes a good biography (or any book in general) a page turner (even though the facts are generally known): will the protagonist make it, will he succeed, will he win her, will the next engagement put him on the way to fame and fortune, will his next record be a hit? But no, Giddins' just states the facts. His style is very formal (compare this with Nick Tosches' Dean Martin biography!) and completely devoid of humour. So I find the book a mixed blessing and, the facts notwithstanding, I doubt I will buy the sequel when (if?) it comes.

Where is PART 2? Only Giddins knows...
I enjoyed part one of the Crosby bio, and we ALL have been waiting patiently (very patiently) for part 2 for what, almost ten years? I just read on a Crosby Forum board that Giddins says the Crosby book is not what's paying his bills, and he'll finish it when he has time(paraphrased). Poor baby. I dont recall my check being rejected for the first book, and I dont recall it being THAT cheap. Is he saying his very successful book didnt generate a substantial income for him (and his family)? I think his intentional delay is a solid slap in the face of those who supported him. What's the REAL reason, Gary???

Best biography I have ever read.
Well-written & highly informative this biography reaches well beyond the thread ofCrosby's life to elaborate upon his historic impact on the creation & evolution of the broadcasting & recording industries. Always entertaining, this book has a riveting can't-put-it-down-until-it's-finished quality.

Highly Recommended!

A Great Book
I devoured this book the first time I read it and am now reading it for the second time after discovering for myself a lot about the man, Bing Crosby, and his music and films.I wasn't much of a fan before I read Gidden's book, but am now.A facinating and detailed examination of the early life and career of an extremely talented and complex man, much loved during his long career and judged extremely harshly by many after his death.Too bad they forgot about all of the good he accomplished in his lifetime. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

sad.sad.sad.
gary crosby's story is heartbreaking.i read this book many years ago and decided to pick it up again.it was as difficult to read this time, as it was the first time...he was the son of bing crosby and dixie lee.both parents abused gary and gary's brothers. the boys were abused physically and were emotionally beaten down. as i read it,i can feel gary's frustration towards his whole life:the beatings,the "rules",the constant put-downs. i am amazed that gary ended up somewhat normal although (he admits),he was a bad alcoholic and not very nice to other people sometimes.
i am very puzzled by bing and dixie's behavior.i do not know "what" they were thinking.maybe they thought they were not doing wrong?it does not make sense and never will because,we cannot get into their' heads. i am not judging bing crosby as a person,but i will judge him as the father he was to his children and i think he DID NOT deserve to be a father.
a very sad story,the saddest thing is,if bing had really loved his children(gary,phillip,dennis,and lindsay) and treated them decent,they would have loved him beyond measure...imagine that.

Bing Crosby--Jekyl or Hyde??
What I found most interesting is how great Bing Crosby seemed with his children from the second marriage. It's pretty obvious in those PBS docs on him that are viewed during PBS' telethons.Maybe it's just boys in general that Crosby has problems in raising up to be confident, stable and happy adults--who knew they were much loved.Bing Crosby's first marriage and the emotional crippling of his 4 sons by that marriage is a tragedy.I always wondered why or couldn't or wouldn't his second wife have an abundance of love for the 4 sons.It's a disgrace to Bing Crosby's character not to have left his sons something when he died--I guess he just totally wrote them off.

Daddy Dearest
The advent of Christina Crawford's "Mommie Dearest", spawned an entire genre of celebrity books. These are - as "Sophia" from the "Golden Girls" put it, the "Bitter child of celebrity" tales. I read this book for the first time when I was 13 years old. In reading it again, after becoming a parent myself, I can now more clearly see just how badly our children want our love and approval. Bing Crosby never approved of his oldest son Gary, named for his good friend Gary Coooper. Bing, and his first wife "Dixie", seem to believe that children are our natural enemies, and you have to "break" them, as you would an unruly mule. Here are some examples of their parenting techniques:
-- The "boys" and there were four, had to use the right utensils during dinner in the formal dining room. The right fork, correct spoon, fold the napkin properly- before they even started going to Kindergarten. If Dixie Crosby noticed they were making mistakes, she whacked the offender's knuckles with the back of her butter knife- which was heavy silver.
--The boys had to eat every bite of food, whether they liked the food in question or not. One of the brothers simply HATED eggs- as people do. One morning, he just couldn't face them, so he got the bright idea of hiding them under the hall carpet. His mother noticed the bulge under the rug, discovered the uneaten eggs, and made her son choke down every bite-as Gary put it "Dirt, hairs, and all."
-- Gary, eldest son, was, like his father Bing, prone to putting on weight. His father made him hop on the scale, every Wednesday. If the number was steady- great! Gary, at the age of nine or ten, would use his allowance to buy the strongest laxatives he could find, and his father made him run ALONGSIDE the Limo on the way to school in the morning. Sometimes, it worked, sometimes not.If "not", he got a "whipping". A whipping from Bing Crosby meant bending over a chair, with bare legs and bottom facing him, whereupon he would flail away with his walking stick. The whipping ended after Bing drew the first "beads of blood."
--Dixie, the mother, was worse, in my opinion. If the boy she was targeting finished his assigned homework early, like a page of Math problems, she'd say, "Done already? Well, it's too soon. Read the next fifty pages (in a MATH BOOK?) , and write down for me what they're all about. Why are you looking at me that way? What, you don't like it!!!??? Go outside and get a switch!" The switch had to be green, and somewhat "springy". Employing the same method as her beloved husband, the boy would bend over, while she used BOTH hands, "Whipping" the switch up and down his legs and rear, as fast as her arms would go. And, God help the poor child if he dared to move during his beating: "I TOLD YOU TO STAND STILL- NOW you're REALLY gonna get it!!" She was usually in a drunken stupor, and wouldn't remember any of it the next day. Gary said, "As soon as I stopped 'flinching' after a few days from the beating, she'd scare me again by exploding even worse.."
I give these stories, practically word for word, because I have no sleek adjectives, no clever puns, or just honest, straight prose at my disposal, that could convey to you, or myself, the full horror of these stories.Dixie and Bing Crsoby had four sons together: Gary, Phillip and Dennis (twins), and Lindsay. If you really want to know the effects of their parenting, please consider this:
-- Dennis, nick-named "ugly" and "loser" by his famous Dad, killed himself a few years after denying much of the content of his brother Gary's book.
--Lindsay, the baby boy, and the most sensitive, attempted suicide many times, before finally succumbing to a final attempt in the early 1990's.
--Gary,had such angerand anguish in his soul that even counseling and writing this book was not therapeutic enough for him; after a series of heart attacks in the 1980's, his doctor told him that he had so much violence and malice in his heart, it was literally "exploding" due to the pressure, warning Gary that he HAD to get rid of the anger towards his father, or it would utterly consume (or kill) him- which it did, a few years ago..
-- Of the four from Bing and Dixie, only Phillip Crosby managed to live to the age of sixty-five- if you want to call what he did "living", that is. He resided in a trailer that a reporterdescribed asa "roach infested, termite-ridden, urine soaked "flop-house". "Sixty-five' was an important number to Bing Crosby, it would seem, since attaining this age was the only way the "boys" could get their hands on their inheritance, yet another cruel proviso of the crooner's will- I guess he thought that his children would be too immature to handle their finances at the tender ages of forty or fifty. Phillip Crosby only got to enjoy his money and new found security for five years, before passing away in in 2004, at age sixty nine. Like his brother Gary, and his famous father before him, he suffered a massive heart attack.
There are dozens of horror stories in this boook. I never thought people living in 25+ room mansions in Beverly Hills would be this bitter and tortured. Dixie, a former country singer and actress, drank herself into oblivion, dying of uterine cancer in herforties. Bing went on to marry a nineteen year old woman named Kathryn, and having three more children: two more sons, Harry and Nathaniel, and a daughter, Mary Frances, all of whom are alive, and all of whom have described Bing Crosby as nothing less than a caring, nurturing parent. (Some of us remember his daughter, Mary Frances Crosby, as "Kristen"- the sultry vixen who infamously shot J.R. Ewing on T.V.'s "Dallas")BOTH camps could very well be right in their estimation of Bing- after all, people change, and some people have "split personalty" parenting- being a totally different guardian at different times...
One image stands out in my mind's eye: Gary would ride along with his father sometimes, for out-of-town commitments, orsinging projects they did together. Some of these car trips took 4-5 hours, at times, and what strikes me is that Gary writes that he and his father did not exchange one single word the entire time. It was dead silent- with Bing ocassionally breaking into one of his "peppy" songs. When they got out of the car, he says, Bing became "Bing!", in the presence of other people, of course- a model father, calling Gary "pal" and "Buddy- unless Gary said something "stupid", and his father would whisper, "Uh- uh, Dummy. Wrong answer. Back in your trunk." with Gary assuming he meant they had a "ventriloquist-wooden dummy" working relationship....During the return trip, his father would tell him it was time to get back to reality -to wit:"In the car lard a--. Move."And then, total silence all the way home. I personally think that Bing got himself in so deep as the firm, disciplinarian, he COULDN'T get out; that he had no idea how to now treat his boys like mature, human beings, therefore, he chose silence.
Shortly before Bing's 1977 death, he admitted to his friend, actress Nanette Fabray, that he was probably too hard on his boys, and he was sure that, at various times, they actually hated him! Ms. Fabray explained to Gary that Bing confided in her that he really DID love his sons, and he acted in that manner because he didn't want a bunch of second generation "soiled brats". Gary begins the book by writing, "A few years after my Father died, I found out he really did love me..." and maybe he did. I don't know- but, at least Gary thought so..

King Crown Nothing
I just finished reading this book and was very disturbed how the infamous Bing treated his sons. A man who had everything and nothing. What a twisted parent.
If anyone can recall watching Bing's son Gary on Emergency or on Adam-12 back in the 60's and 70's, you can literally see the pain in Gary's face. Going My Own Way

Insufferable Whining!
Someone gave me this book to read. I had no previous knowledge of Gary or Bing, other than Bing could sing.From the very beginning, the book was rife with Gary Crosby whining and blaming others for his own shortcomings.I would have thrown it out after a few pages, but forced myself to finish it to be able to discuss it with the person who gave it to me. And believe me, it is no easy task to read drivel like this. The book is nearly unreadable in that it is so annnoying from start to finish.Gary attempts to pin his own failings on who else - but his famous father.Why?Maybe because no one would bother to buy the book otherwise.Gary takes the smallest events and endeavors to twist them so as to vilify his father.Was his father perfect?No!How do I know?Because no one is a perfect parent.Did Gary list anything that Bing did that would warrant this loathsome diatribe?No.But Gary did mention HIS OWN drug and alcohol abuse, not to mention many examples of HIS OWN self-centered, difficult and unpleasant personality. I think the book would have been a better read if Gary had taken HIMSELF to task for his disgraceful personal behavior, failed interactions with others, and poor choices like substance abuse.The imagined happy ending would be Gary takes personal responsibility for his bad behavior, holds HIMSELF accountable, quits blaming others, and changes his life for the better.

Thankfully, I didn't pay a dime for this insufferable whine-a-rama.Don't waste your money on this one - unless you like to blame others for your bad behavior - in which case you'll find good company in Gary Crosby. ... Read more

Product Description
Kathryn Crosby's memoir of her last days with Bing... ... Read more

Product Description
Here is the quintessential Crosby tribute book at the dawn of his centenary May 3, 2003. The book documents the story of Bing's colorful life, family, recordings, radio and television shows, and films- a wondrous career that pioneered the art of popular crooning and of a man who kept America in perfect tune for many generations. His recording of White Christmas alone would have immortalized him. A must read book for Crosby fans everywhere who still cherish the music and anecdotes of the players involved in the Golden Age of popular music written by the author of The Spirit of Bob Hope and Jerry Vale-A Singer's Life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Grudens, Bing Crosby:Crooner of the Century
Richard Grudens, who has created a one-man industry of creating gushing celebrity "biographies," strikes again with this volume on Bing Crosby.Anyone looking for an in-depth, studied review of the singer's life should look elsewhere.

A "must-read" for the lingering legions of Bing Crosby fans
Richard Grudens' Bing Crosby: Crooner Of The Century is an impressive presented and informatively written tribute to the famous singer Bing Crosby, his varied and sometimes difficult life, his family, the success story of his singing and acting career, and the lasting cultural reflections of his work. Featuring an introduction by Bing Crosby's wife Kathryn Grant Crosby, Bing Crosby: Crooner Of The Century is a "must-read" for the lingering legions of Bing Crosby fans.

Great Buy
Richard Gruden's heartwarming tale of Bing Crosby's life story is one that will remain in my personal library of well-written biographies for a long time.From birth to death, Bing Crosby's life is passionately displayed through words and pictures alike.Crosby fans and those new to his world of musical talent will instantly be entranced by the smooth flow of the story.Finally!A biography about one of the world's most influential musicians that doesn't read like a textbook but rather like a tale that makes me want to read it again and again!

I applaud Grudens for a job well done. "Bing Crosby--Crooner of the Century" will surely be a favorite of those who know Bing Crosby and wish to know more.The story comes with my highest recommendation. ... Read more

Product Description
"One of the most enchanting of all show-business memoirs." -Gary Giddins.

Reissued to coincide with the paperback publication of the definitive Bing biography by Gary Giddins, here is "a collection of anecdotes and reminiscences that is as warm and witty as any Crosby performance. [Bing] could have surely become a full-time writer had his schedule not been taken up with being one of the great entertainers of the century." -Will Friedwald ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very happy!
Very happy with seller and product!I would definitely buy from this seller again.

Yup, Lucky.
Crosby says about himself that he had no skill at acting or dancing and that his singing was more gimmick than talent, a strategy learned in vaudeville.If he hadn't been in town at the same time as Paul Whiteman, his life would have taken a different turn, and that would have been okay with him.As it was, he blew around in a wind that carried him to fame, fortune, race tracks, golf courses and professional friends. Otherwise, he made no contribution, he says, except for two recordings, and he isn't kidding.What we have here is a modest little man with a great deal to be modest about. Vain, conceited, self-centered, pretentious, affable--what media turns into icon.The book itself is a series of anecdotes distilled from conversations with a ghostwriter, interrupted when Bing swaps a highbrow word for a lowbrow one, reaching for distinction.He had an ache for attention, evidently, but his book never deals with the hungers of his personality.So he's not as interesting as the people he mentions, sometimes indiscretely, despite his own penchant for privacy.It was a wonderful ride.I'm glad he enjoyed it.But yesteryear's wisecrack is this year's yawn.For a show biz autobiography that sizzles with self-knowledge, read Oscar Levant's or Lennie Bruce's.

The great voice of the century
Pete Martin, the famous journalist and profile writer who spent a lot of his time working like a beaver for the classic Saturday Evening Post of the 1940s and 1950s--the Norman Rockwell years--and who departed for LOOK magazine when Rockwell did--wrote the bulk of this book, but he did it in close cooperation with the not always easy to work with Bing Crosby, who had attained a new plateau of popularity in the 1950s (when the book was first published).It seemed as if he had everything: wonderful talent, a devoted family, a gift not only for musical comedy but for drama too, as his turns in The Country Girl and Going My Way indicated.Though filmed considerably later than the period he describes in this book, "der Bingle" did a great job as a serial killer in Ira Levin's medical thriller, Dr. Cook's Garden.Bing had a warm, jazz-inspired delivery that wrapped itself around air like it was filled with honey, he was surely the warmest singer who ever lived.If his private life was more complicated than the Saturday Evening Post was then willing to print, what we have in CALL ME LUCKY is another side to the many-faceted Bing Crosby, a construction of grit, daring and tenderness that remains remarkably durable twenty years after his death.

Bing by Bing
I read this book as a teen years ago and just purchased the new paperback version. Bing's voice, even as filtered by Pete Martin, is evident here.He's not a deep 'teller of tales' in order to let us see all his personal angst.What we do see is a guy who struggles with parenting spirited boys, who grieves the loss of a wife, who downplays his talent and, as the book's title suggests, considers himself merely lucky.There's a lot of humor in this book and the caring Crosby feels for his family and his fellow entertainers is quite evident if not overly 'blatant'.Another perfect companion to the Gary Giddins book "Pocketful of Dreams"!

Undeniably Craosby
Bing Crosby comes to life in "Call Me Lucy".Each word, each sentence, every portion evokes Crosby's wonderful exalted form of speaking.This is not a tell-all biography, but rather a wonderful recant of anecdotes and humorous observations.Crosby tells amusing stories of Bob Hope, Paul Whiteman, Oscar Levant, Groucho Marx, Al Jolson, Fred Astaire, his wife, and his kids. He also spends time telling stories of his adventures on the golf course, in movies, on radio, and traveling the country with Paul Whiteman's band. What's more, he tells the true stories of his rise to the top of show business.From being a team with his Washington pal Al Rinker, to getting the Academy Award for "Going My Way" in 1944. In addition to this, he speaks frankly about his wife (who died not to long before the book was originally published).An honest, and teary moment. All together, "Call Me Lucky" is a must to any Crosby fan.It's undeniably Crosby! ... Read more

Product Description
Bing Crosby is a true icon. Recognizedworldwide as one of the most popularsingers, actors, and entertainers inAmerica, he starred in more than fifty-fivefilms, recorded more No. 1 hits than anyother artist, and appeared on almost fourthousand radio broadcasts.

Bing Crosby was also a cattle rancher,working the land sunrise to sunset alongsidehis ranch hands in Elko, a small cowtownin northeastern Nevada. Bing trulyenjoyed the rugged outdoors of this ruralcommunity, and often longed for hisother life away from the lights, cameras,and action of Hollywood.

In Bing: On the Road to Elko , Crosby'sniece, Carolyn Schneider, shares memories,interviews, stories, and photographs,offering readers an intimate glimpse ofthe uncle she knew and loved. Throughresearch and perseverance, Schneiderbrings to life the Bing rarely seen, his lifebehind the cameras. She journeys backto northern Nevada, meeting the peoplewho knew Bing, hanging out at the lunchcounter of the local diner, visiting theIndian reservation, gathering anecdotesand images of a man once known as thehonorary mayor of Elko, Nevada. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Humor, Success, and Sadness
I thought this was a great book! I chose to pick it up after finally seeing 'Holiday Inn' this winter. I was interested to learn more about Bing Crosby and I certainly did. This isn't even close to a total Bing-bashing book, as the title/cover art of it may begin to suggest. More accurately, I found it to be a well-researched and objective account of his life and the lives of those around him. The tale was really fascinating-complete with humor (I especially liked the funny story when he and his friends were playing hooky from school as children), success (Bing's rise to fame was interesting to watch unfold and it happened so quickly. His business decisions off stage were really something as well!), and sadness (Particularly, Bing's inability to form a truly warm connection with anyone and his tendency to neglect or "disappear" those friends and loved ones who aided him the most in life. The most disheartening parts for me involved his interactions with first wife Dixie Leeand his first four kids, as well as his break from Al Rinker and Harry Barris of the Rhythm Boys). This book takes nothing away from Bing's talent or outward charm, but rather tries to form a complete picture of his personality and all aspects of his life.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
When BING CROSBY became a superstar in the early thirties with records and movies,it was the JAZZ age.BING made a lot of money,alienated a few friends on his way to stardom,married DIXIE LEE,had many affairs with other women on the cover,and then after winning a battle with the bottle continued to neglect his wife who became an alcoolic and died from cancer in the early fifties.Many aspects of this biography will disappoint the CROSBY fans who thought he was a saint.The authors i thinktried simply to tell the truth about the man and his complexity.You'll learn many things about him if you read that book,not only the negative side of course.

Honest,and well deserved criticism of a hollow-man
I found this book to be a very sincere and well researched look at one ofthe world's most famous crooner's. Crosby's well documented selfishness andmistreatment of his own sons and first wife was documented by Dixie(Crosby's first wife, who died of cancer), all 4 of his sons by Dixie. Onlyone son remains living, and the other 3 all committed suicide by gunshot.Crosby was an ill tempered and mean drunkard, which was substantiated notonly by the authors, but by co-workers and studio heads. The authors seemedto have gone to great lengths to establish facts of Crosby's early yearswith his beginnings with the Rhythmn Boys Trio back in the late 1920's.Crosby's early years near Spokane, Washington, where he grew up are verywell documented. I found this to be a very insightful read. The authorsintentions to me did not seem to be that of trying to be vindictive orhateful, just factual.Authors show that just because Bing was analchoholic, didn't mean he wasn't likeable.An enjoyeable read!

A frustrating and irritating read
I approached The Hollow Man with the knowledge that it would be a less than glowing review of the life of Bing Crosby.In that respect, I got what I expected.What I didn't expect however, and what drove me todistraction, was the constant substantiating by the authors of everystatement that they made that they felt might suffer some criticism.Ibecame annoyed with the lengthy explanations of the logic they used to cometo their conclusions.And the way they used quotes from obscure players toback up their assertions reminded me of the tabloids.Another majordrawback is that while they review Bing's early performing days quiteextensively, they then skip through huge chunks of his life with hardly amention.A thoroughly dissatisfying read. ... Read more

Product Description
During his lifetime, Bing Crosby was one of the most loved entertainers of the twentieth century. He made his name as a singer with a distinctive and innovative style, which helped to transform the musical scene of the early thirties. Radio and films brought him national prominence, and then as his film career developed, he achieved world-wide renown through his portrayal of Father O'Malley and through the hilarious Road films he made with Bob Hope. This book details his life, almost on a daily basis, and, with the aid of many contemporary reviews, produces a fascinating account of one of the most important show business figures of the twentieth century. Through Bing and his interaction with most of the stars of the time, the history of show business can virtually be traced. A discography, a fact file and a large index, which picks up many other show biz icons, supplements what will be a indispensable reference book, not only for those interested in Crosby but anyone researching other stars of the period. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Mr Casual? Think again!
What a book! For the casual history buff, it's a detailed look at America (and much of the world) from 1903 to 1977.You cannot read this book and think that Bing was 'lazy' or 'sloppy' or 'lucky' - he worked hard, he planned, he gave generously of his time and talents to the world during some of its darkest days.This is a perfect book to purchase and donate to a school or a library if you're able to - a valuable resource, well written and meticulously researched!

Wow! A treasure trove
Yes, this book carries a hefty price tag and its paltry number of illustrations grates a bit on the nerves. But the content within the covers is absolutely amazing. Any serious fan of Bing will beg, borrow or possibly steal this tome because it's fasincating and detailed.

Do you want to know where Bing was or what he was doing on May 12, 1941? Easy, just flip to the entry for that date. The littlest bit of trivia is included and it makes for sometimes amusing reading. Bing caught four fish on this date in 1956, he played 36 holes of golf at the Bel Air Country Club on this date in 1942... it's all here. It's incredible to realize how multi-faceted Bing was and what a full life he led, truly something to be envied.

Rounding out the book is a complete discography and an index which is complete and easy to follow. This is a "must have" for anyone seriously interested in the career of this laid-back, phlegmatic legend. I highly recommend this beautiful volume.

THE definitive reference guide to the life & times of Bing!
Without a doubt, this is the most comprehensive look at Bing Crosby's activities, literally on a "day by day" basis from his birth in 1903 to his death in 1977, that has ever been published. Malcolm Macfarlane, in what obviously was a labor of love, has painstakingly uncovered every bit of information on Bing's life that he could find. His attention to detail is
impeccable.

To enhance the coverage of Bing's films, radio/TV, and stage performances, Malcolm utilizes countless reviews and press cuttings from various publications. The "show biz Bible", VARIETY, is often quoted, providing a time capsule effect to Bing's life and times. These reviews are, in essence, the history of show business for over half a century, further adding to the appeal of the book.

Indeed this is a book not only devoted (and casual) fans of Bing will treasure, but also those doing research on virtually any other performer of his era. Bing's path crossed with most of them, a fact proven by the extraordinarily detailed index.

Malcolm has also provided the reader with a "fact file", citing milestones of Bing's life. His forty top hit recordings, gold records, feature films, careers in radio and TV are all covered in a general manner. A discography is also provided, listing only the song titles and dates recorded, from 1926-77. Rejected and alternate takes have been omitted.

The only minor disappointment, and it entirely rests with the publisher, is the lack of illustrations to accompany the entries. As it stands, Scarecrow Press devoted a mere 16 pages out of over 800 total to photos. But don't let that deter you from purchasing this fabulous book.

To be sure, this is a book the whole family can enjoy. I, for one, found it amusing to look up milestone dates in members of my family's lives, to see what activities Bing was involved with on those days.

The book carries with it a rather hefty price tag, but make no fuss about it, you're getting a lot for your money. ... Read more

Product Description
Most popular music fans are well aware of the cultural icons such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Rudy Vallee. These stars-and many of their peers-cast a large shadow over the entertainment field during the twentieth century. Their fame spanned all of the important mass media, including radio, television, movies, sound, recordings, Broadway, vaudeville, and the concert hall. However, few are aware of the vital role these performers played in the origin and development of the crooning tradition. Crooning represented one of the most important musical styles of the twentieth century, intermingling with jazz and fronting the big band craze of the thirties and forties. Crooners spurred the rise of radio as home staple and the Golden Age of film musicals. When commercial television became a viable commodity, crooners anchored perhaps the first TV programming innovation, the variety show. It took the cataclysmic aesthetic and cultural changes ushered in by rock 'n' roll in the 1950s to finally bring crooners down from their pedestal. "The Rise of the Crooners" examines the historical trends and events that led to the emergence of the crooning style. Ian Whitcomb, a successful popular music vocalist himself for almost 40 years, provide a personal perspective on this phenomena. In addition, the lives and careers of six pioneers of the style--Bing Crosby, Russ Colombo, Gene Austin, Rudy Vallee, Johnny Marvin, and Nick Lucas--are covered at length.With the exception of entry devoted to Crosby-- possibly the greatest entertainer of the past century--these biographies (appended by lengthy bibliographies and discographies) are more thorough and up-to-date than any treatment in print about these seminal artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Highlights Beginning of A Style
The authors bring to light the beginning of a style of singing made possible by the introduction of radio and the electric microphone. Separate from the shouting style of singing required by the acoustic horn phonograph and theatres with no amplification, the microphone allowed a more intimate soft style of singing. The book highlights the better known performers Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee as well as informs on the forgotten performers Art Gillham, Jack Smith, Little Jack Little and others instrumental in developing the intimate crooning style.

Enhanced with up-to-date biographies
Crooning was a distinctive music performance style that came into prominence during the Big Band era of the 1930s and 40s. Successful crooners like Rudy Vallee and Frank Sinatra became icons of the "bobbysox" generation of teenagers. Established crooners like Bing Crosby and Tony Bennett had decades long careers that including radio, movies, and television. In The Rise Of The Crooner, music historian Michael R. Pitts and Drank W. Hoffmann (Professor of Library Science, Sam Houston State University) are ably assisted by Dick Carty and Jim Bedoian to present an articulate, scholarly, informative, and engaging historical treatise surveying the trends, fads, events, and personalities that created this popular form of American music and its lasting impact on popular American culture. The "reader friendly", 312 paged text is enhanced with up-to-date biographies, bibliographies, and discographies making The Rise Of The Crooners an enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library American music history collection. ... Read more

Product Description
On a spring day in 1968, Pittsburgher Daly Racklin discovers that he has one year to live.An attorney and the reluctant linchpin of a dying Irish neighborhood, culture, and people, he is at once a man torn by his father's omnipotent shadow and the struggles of his own heart.As his elevated position brings him from one home to another, he increasingly discovers the importance of what he sees disappearing.

Bing Crosby's Last Song is a funny, touching, heart-wrenching story of survival and love, a community's demise and a wanderer's rebirth.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Graceful Novel of Working Class Pittsburgh
This is a moving novel about an aging lawyer and Pittsburgh native, Daly "Right" Racklin, who struggles to understand and live up to the legacy of his late father Boyce Racklin, a champion of the underdog and fellow Pittsburgh attorney.The first page of the novel paints a pretty bleak picture, as Daly is told by his doctor his heart is failing and that nothing can be done to extend his life beyond a year. Daly proceeds to try and get his life in order, all the while continuing to give of himselfto family, friends, and relatives of deceased buddies who always seem to take advantage of his kindness and betray him. All of this takes place during the turbulent summer of 1968, after the assassinations of Bobby Kennedy and Dr. King.

Daly comes off as almost Saint-like, especially early in the novel, where he exudes a sense of calm patience when the world seems to come apart around him.He cares for a family that steals from him, because he knew their deceased father and knew he would've done the same had Daly died young and left a widow with children.Daly carries on a friendship with a blind divorcee, Jessie, and then gets involved in an unlikely, whirlwind romance with a mystical woman (Gloria Scone) that he meets at a wake.All the while, Daly is frequently visited by visions of Pretty Boy Floyd, and we learn one of the most vivid memories of his childhood was a visit to the grass field where Floyd was gunned down.

Overall, I thought this was a very moving novel, with the characters of Daly and Jessie drawn exceptionally well.The scenes in Oakland (a working class Pittsburgh neighborhood) pubs were excellent, as bartenders reminisced with Daly about his working class hero dad, the original "Right" Racklin. The author notes that it was difficult for Daly to live up the reputation of a good father. I also loved the road trip by Daly and his friends to NYC, to attend the funeral of RFK.Some of the plot twists seemed a little forced, ( I thought the whole Gloria Scone interlude was a little abrupt and unrealistic, and detracted from the novel), but overall it was an engaging read and a moving glimpse at a time and place that is infrequently visited. ... Read more

Product Description
Bing Crosby was one of the most popular entertainers ever to appear on film. He was a symbol of an era, embodying an old-fashioned nostalgia and a golden age in cinema. His films, from the nostalgic charm of "White Christmas" to "Going My Way," which won him an Oscar, have a timeless and enduring appeal. Strikingly handsome, with a soft, crooning voice and a relaxed demeanor, Crosby was a natural heart-throb; yet behind the image of the all-American icon was a fierce, deeply complex individual. In this new biography, Michael Freedland writes candidly about his subject. Drawing on new material, rare photographs, and previously unpublished interviews, Bing Crosby: The Illustrated Biography is a long-overdue portrait of one of America's brightest stars. Among Michael Freedland's many books are All the Way: A Biography of Frank Sinatra, Irving Berlin, Sean Connery, and The Two Lives of Errol Flynn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An error on most every page!
In this book, we learn that, among other things, Bing's partner in the Rhythm Boys was named Harry "Berris"...... That Bing made "4000 different recordings"....... That Bing's famous singing rivalry known as the "Battle Of The Baritones" was with Rudy Vallee..... That another popular singer of the early days was Russ "Colombo"..... That Bing's mother was born in Canada..... That Bing's lung operation in 1974 was due to cancer..... That Bing's appearances on the "Hollywood Palace" TV show consisted of hosting "once a month, between 1968 and 1970 ...., sharing the role with George Burns, Martha Raye, and Judy Garland"........ That in 1962, Bing recorded "Let's Not Be Sensible" for a film soundtrack, "...but for reasons no one could adequately explain, the last word of the song, 'love', was mangled on tape...." and that Bing refused to re-record it because he was a "star", so .."Michael Holliday, a Crosby sound-alike, was brought in to finish the line for him......"This book further reveals that all of Al Jolson's legendary 1940s radio appearances with Bing were on Bing's series, "The Kraft Music Hall", and that Bing's very first TV appearance was "...as the guest of Jack Benny's first special in 1953...." WHEW!!!! What a bunch of junk! Folks, every single fact I've just related comes randomely from the pages of this half-baked un-researched hatchet-job, and is totally wrong!! What's more, These are just errors I picked at the last minute, thumbing through the book as I was composing this review: there are so many more! I've read hundreds of entertainment bios in my life (including others by Freedland), and NEVER have I encountered such a lame work with so many blatant errors of fact, chronology, and spelling (the spelling errors listed above for "Berris" and "Colombo", are not random typos, but are mis-spelled every time the names appear in the text!) How did this get published? Of course, the piece is also a hatchet-job, featuring alusions and conclusions re: Crosby's behavior that have absolutely no basis in fact. You want Crosby? Order Gary Giddins' new masterpiece "Bing Crosby- A Pocketful Of Dreams - The Early Years", and you'll get the REAL Bing, in a scholarly, analytical epic that makes this howler look like the misbegotten little essay that it is.

Filled with mistakes; nice photos!
This book is loaded with mistakes!Some are not even close to being accurate! Has some nice photos though, but not worth the money!

A Slightly Illustrated and Sometimes Inaccurate Biography
I was looking forward to an accurate biography of my favorite singer, Bing Crosby, and, as the title promises, this was supposed to be full of illustrations too.Sadly, I was disappointed on both accounts.

Upon reading Michael Freeland's version of Bing's life and career, I couldn'thelp but feel that Mr. Freeland gave The Old Groaner several digs along theway.I guess you don't have to be a fan of your subject to write abiography.There were several blatant errors in the text.Among these wasa captioned picture of Gary Cooper presenting Bing with his Oscar while, onthe same page, Mr. Freeland writes that Bing received that little statuefrom Bob Hope.Also, for some reason, the print is very large.Eventhough the book boasts 127 or so pages, it would have only been about 75pages with regular print.I don't known if this was done because theauthor thought that older folks (with deteriorating eyesight?) would havemore of an interest in this book.I am in my 30's so maybe I don't fitinto the Mr. Freeland's concept of a typical Bing fan.

As for theillustrations, they were slightly spartan considering the title of thebook.I was anxiously anticipated pages and pages of both color and black& white pictures depicting Bing in all stages of his life and career. Although there weren't enough pictures to suit me, I do have to say thatthe pictures included were of good quality ( althought none in color otherthan the one on the back cover) and many were ones that I had never seenbefore.

All in all, I did gleen some additional information concerningMr. Bing Crosby but I would certainly take much of what was written herewith a grain of salt.The 40+ black & white pictures will be acontinual source of enjoyment for me.

A Slightly Illustrated and Sometimes Inaccurate Biography
I was looking forward to an accurate biography of my favorite singer, Bing Crosby, and, as the title promises, this was supposed to be full of illustrations too.Sadly, I was disappointed on both accounts.

Upon reading Michael Freeland's version of Bing's life and career, I couldn'thelp but feel that Mr. Freeland gave The Old Groaner several digs along theway.I guess you don't have to be a fan of your subject to write abiography.There were several blatant errors in the text.Among these wasa captioned picture of Gary Cooper presenting Bing with his Oscar while, onthe same page, Mr. Freeland writes that Bing received that little statuefrom Bob Hope.Also, for some reason, the print is very large.Eventhough the book boasts 127 or so pages, it would have only been about 75pages with regular print.I don't known if this was done because theauthor thought that older folks (with deteriorating eyesight?) would havemore of an interest in this book.I am in my 30's so maybe I don't fitinto the Mr. Freeland's concept of a typical Bing fan.

As for theillustrations, they were slightly spartan considering the title of thebook.I was anxiously anticipated pages and pages of both color and black& white pictures depicting Bing in all stages of his life and career. Although there weren't enough pictures to suit me, I do have to say thatthe pictures included were of good quality ( althought none in color otherthan the one on the back cover) and many were ones that I had never seenbefore.

All in all, I did gleen some additional information concerningMr. Bing Crosby but I would certainly take much of what was written herewith a grain of salt.The 40+ black & white pictures will be acontinual source of enjoyment for me. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Almost as good as the book!
Gary Giddins has pealed away the mendacity that has surrounded Bing Crosby in published literature since his death. Bing was pilloried in books by his son Gary, and painted in other biographies as a philandering, cold-as-ice misanthrope. Finally Crosby fans can embrace a book (read by Edward Lewis), which contains much positive information on one of the greatest and most influential Americans icons of the 20th century. Bing's brilliance has been inexplicably eclipsed since his death. Hopefully, this book will introduce the Crosby magic to those who have never been exposed to it.

Without Bing Crosby, popular music would not sound the way it sounds today, it's that simple. When he first started singing with Paul Whiteman's band in the 20's as a member of the Rhythm Boys, all vocalists sounded the same: weak-kneed tenors warbling through megaphones, ala the insufferable Rudy Vallee. Bing's mellifluous, effortless baritone became the standard by which every other singer strove to emulate: Sinatra, Como, Dean Martin and every other singer initially copied Bing.

Giddins correctly emphasizes Bing's influence on 20th century pop culture. He was a vocal innovator par excellence and his jazz phrasing, timing and cadence remains unmatched. Giddins also explores in great depth Crosby's numerous affairs, his tortured marriage to the alcoholic Dixie Lee, and brings out some interesting gossip: did you know Bing smoked pot regularly with Louis Armstrong in the early 30's? No more Mr. Goody Two Shoes!

I've loved Bing Crosby all my life and have waited a lifetime for an intelligent and readable biography. Gary Giddins is an excellent writer and researcher and he has created a minor masterpiece. This is an essential addition to any Crosbyphile's bookshelf. The audio version is excellent, you'll enjoy listening to the book while commuting to work. ... Read more