Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was one of America’s most popular singers and actors of the 20th century. Famed for his rich baritone voice he was considered one of the finest vocalists ever and credited for inspiring the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Born in Tacoma, Washington on May 3, 1903 as Harry Lillis Crosby, Bing got his nickname from “The Bingville Bugle” comic strip that the young Bing had taken an early interest in.

With music loving parents to watch over him, it was no surprise that Bing was sent at an early age to singing lessons although he eventually dropped out due to the demands of the training.

Enrolling in college to train as a lawyer another career path beckoned for Bing when he was invited to join a local band made up of mostly high school kids.

Bing eventually dropped out of school to spend more time with the band and thus began his rise on the showbiz ladder.

Bing Crosby made his feature film debut in 1925 with The King Of Jazz but became a major screen star with his first starring feature, The Big Broadcast in 1932.