Bing Crosby was born Harry Lillis Crosby, Jr. on a certain day in Tacoma, Washington, to Catherine (Harrigan) and Harry Lincoln Crosby, a brewery bookkeeper, who were both of English and Irish descent. As the fourth of seven children, Crosby was destined to make a name for himself in the world of entertainment. Despite his parents' wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Crosby's true passion lay in playing the drums and singing with a local band.
As a young man, Crosby studied law at Gonzaga University in Spokane, but his heart wasn't in it. He was more interested in making music and entertaining crowds. Alongside his band's piano player, Al Rinker, Crosby left Spokane for Los Angeles in 1925, chasing his dreams of stardom.
In the early 1930s, Crosby's brother Everett sent a record of Crosby singing "I Surrender, Dear" to the president of CBS, which ultimately led to Crosby's breakthrough in the world of radio. For 20 consecutive weeks in 1932, Crosby's live performances from New York were carried over the national radio network, showcasing his unique talent to a wide audience.
Crosby's radio success did not go unnoticed, and Paramount Pictures soon offered him a role in The Big Broadcast (1932),a film featuring popular radio personalities. His laid-back, easygoing style resonated with audiences, particularly during the Great Depression, when his songs about finding happiness without wealth struck a chord with many.
Crosby's collaboration with his friend Bob Hope resulted in a series of successful "Road" comedies, cementing their status as one of the most beloved comedy duos of the era. In addition to his comedic talents, Crosby also proved himself to be a capable dramatic actor, earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of an easygoing priest in Going My Way (1944).
In his later years, Crosby continued to act, starring alongside Grace Kelly in The Country Girl (1954). A talented musician, Crosby was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing the sport whenever he could. Tragically, his life came to an end at the age of 74 while playing golf at a course outside Madrid, Spain, following a sold-out engagement at the London Palladium.
