Bing Crosby

Real name: Harry Lillis Crosby

Born: May 2, 1904 Tacoma, Washington
Died: October 14, 1977 Madrid,Spain

+++ Began as one of the three "Rhythm Boys" with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra in 1926 +++ A tonsils operation is said to have altered his voice to the mellow baritone he was known for later +++ His nickname "Bing" was taken from his favorite comic "The Bingville Bugle" +++ Got his first solo radio contract with CBS in 1931 +++ Had over 150 hits and sold close to 400 million records, including some 60 million of "White Christmas", the best-selling single of all-time, alone +++ Participated also in several movies, incl. "High Society" and "Going My Way", obtaining an Academy Award for the latter +++ Bing Crosby, also called "El Bingo", will always be the sinonym for "crooner" in the music world +++