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Bing Crosby was born Harry Lillis Crosby in Tacoma, Washington

'''Bing Crosby''' was born Harry Lillis Crosby in Tacoma, Washington,

on May 3, 1903. After moving to Spokane he was inspired to concentrate

on May 3, 1903. His family moved to Spokane soon afterward. He was inspired to concentrate

on a singing career after meeting Al Jolson. While attending Gonzaga

on a singing career as a teenager after seeing Al Jolson perform. While attending Gonzaga

University to become a lawyer, he begin singing with a local band. Without

University to become a lawyer, he begin singing with a local band. Without

doubt, he would become the most popular media star of the first half

doubt, he would become the most popular media star of the first half

of the 20th century with numerous hit recordings.

of the 20th century with numerous hit recordings.

Bing lives on with his “White Christmas” continuing as an annual holiday

Crosby lives on with his “White Christmas” continuing as an annual holiday

hit besides being the all time best selling recording for most of the 20th century.  

hit besides being the all-time best-selling recording for most of the 20th century.  

Bing landed more records on the Hit Parade than anyone in history, 368.

He landed more records on the Hit Parade than anyone in history, 368.

Elvis only had 149. Bing had more No. 1 hits than anyone, 38.

(Elvis only had 149.) Crosby had more No. 1 hits than anyone, 38.

The Beatles had 24. Bing ranked as the No. 1 movie box office

(The Beatles had 24.) He ranked as the No. 1 movie box office

draw five consecutive years, 1944-1948. He was nominated for a Best

draw five consecutive years, 1944-1948. He was nominated for a Best

Actor Oscar three times, and won it once for “Going My Way.” He was one

Actor Oscar three times, and won it once for ''Going My Way''. He was one

of the nation’s biggest radio stars from 1931 to 1954,

of the nation’s biggest radio stars from 1931 to 1954,

and produced 3,400 of his own programs.

and produced 3,400 of his own programs.

Selling more than 300 million records, it should come as no

Since Crosby sold more than 300 million records, it should come as no

surprise that some of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century

surprise that some of the most recognizable songs of the 20th century

were associated with Bing. Here are just a few: “Stardust,” “Red Sails

were associated with him. Here are just a few: “Stardust,” “Red Sails

in the Sunset”, “Pennies from Heaven”, “I’m an Old Cowhand (From the

in the Sunset”, “Pennies from Heaven”, “I’m an Old Cowhand (From the

Rio Grande)”, “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby”, “Pistol Packin’

Rio Grande)”, “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby”, “Pistol Packin’

and “Around the World” in 1957.

and “Around the World” in 1957.

Bing made 60 movies, not counting cameos and shorts.

Crosby made 60 movies, not counting cameos and shorts. The best, by critical and popular consensus, was ''Going My Way'', the 1944 story of a down-to-earth young priest. It won the Oscar

The best, by critical and popular consensus, was “Going My Way,”

for Best Picture and Crosby won the Oscar for Best Actor. It was also,at the time, the highest-grossing film in Paramount Pictures history.

the 1944 story of a down-to-earth young priest. It won the Oscar

Crosby received another Oscar nomination for the sequel, ''The Bells

for Best Picture and Bing won the Oscar for Best Actor. It was also,

of St. Mary’s''. However, some prefer his dark portrayal of an alcoholic

at the time, the highest-grossing film in Paramount Pictures history.

singer in 1954’s ''The Country Girl'', with Grace Kelly. He was again

Bing received another Oscar nomination for the sequel, “The Bells

nominated for an Oscar. However, Crosby is remembered mostly

of St. Mary’s.” However, some prefer his dark portrayal of an alcoholic

for his seven "Road" movies with Bob Hope between 1940 and 1962.

singer in 1954’s “The Country Girl,” with Grace Kelly. He was again

The best? Probably 1942’s ''Road to Morocco'' and 1947’s ''Road to Rio''.

nominated for an Oscar. However, Bing is remembered mostly

for his seven “Road” movies with Bob Hope between 1940 and 1962.

The best? Probably 1942’s “Road to Morocco” and 1947’s “Road to Rio.”

Bing’s last words:

Crosby’s last words:

“That was a great game of golf, fellas,” spoken just before Bing crumpled

“That was a great game of golf, fellas,” spoken just before he crumpled

to the ground with a heart attack, near the 18th green of a golf course

to the ground with a heart attack, near the 18th green of a golf course

in Madrid, Spain on Oct. 14, 1977. He was 74 years of age.

in Madrid, Spain, on October 14, 1977. He was 74 years of age.

In 2007 Bing Crosby was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

In 2007 Bing Crosby was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.