20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Bing Crosby

Performer: Bing Crosby
Producer: Andy McKaie; Andy McKaie (Compilation)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Crosby. Personnel includes: Bing Crosby (vocals); John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra, Williams Brothers Quartet, Ken Darby Singers, Georgie Stoll & His Orchestra, Les Paul Trio, Perry Botkin's String Band, The Andrews Sisters, Vic Schoen & His Orchestra, Bob Haggart & His Orchestra, Matty Matlock's All Stars, Buddy Cole & His Orchestra. Recorded between 1944 and 1950. Includes liner notes by Joseph Laredo. This is part of MCA's 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection series. Liner Note Author: Joseph F. Laredo. Recording information: Hollywood, CA (08/19/1936-03/14/1957); NY, NY (08/19/1936-03/14/1957). You'd be hard-pressed to find a better introduction to the music of Bing Crosby than this 12-track best-of, part of MCA's 20th Century Masters Millennium Collection. All the major biggies are aboard, covering a time frame from 1944 to 1957 ("Swingin' on a Star," "White Christmas," "Don't Fence Me In," "Dear Hearts and Gentle People," "MacNamara's Band," "It's Been a Long, Long Time," "Pennies from Heaven") as well as other highlights from that period ("Far Away Places," a duet with son Gary on "Play a Simple Melody," and the theme song from "Around the World (In Eighty Days)"). Not everything that's essential to digging Crosby, but a darn good start. ~ Cub Koda

It can be safely said that Bing Crosby taught America how to sing. Before his arrival in the 1930s, the airwaves were filled with off-pitch, rakish crooners and semi-operatic belters. It was Crosby who brought nuance to popular singing, popularizing the crooning style that influenced everyone from Frank Sinatra to Nat "King" Cole. He was even on hand for the early years of jazz, singing with jazz vocal group the Rhythm Boys in the 1920s. For decades, Crosby was a multi-media giant, hosting his own radio show, appearing on TV, and turning in highly regarded performances in tons of films, both musical and dramatic. He won a Best Actor Oscar in 1945 for his leading role in GOING MY WAY, and his "Road" films with Bob Hope are the stuff of comedic legend.

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