Bing Crosby's work as an entertainer spanned five generations. The man considered by Life magazine to be one of the most influential Americans of the twentieth century began his career as a jazz singer and credits jazz vocalist Mildred Bailey with giving him his start. Radio brought Crosby to national prominence in the 1930s with a nightly show on the CBS Radio Network. The golden-voiced baritone--referred to as "the old duffer," "the crooner," "Der Bingle" (by Germans) and "the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century"--went on to lead the way into the golden age of pop in the United States and around the world.

His rendition of White Christmas is the best-selling record in history and, since its recording in the 1940s, has become a symbol for the holiday spirit. He created more pop recordings and placed more songs in the top ten than any other individual singer. Crosby's charms extended from stage to screen. He did six "road" films with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour--Road to Singapore, Road to Zanzibar, Road to Morocco, Road to Utopia, Road to Rio, and Road to Bali--and won an Oscar for his portrayal of a priest in the film Going My Way. Before his death on October 14, 1977, Crosby also had gained considerable reputation as a sportsman and humanitarian.