Rating: 
Summary: ALL ROADS POINT TO BING!!!
Review: Bing Crosby was the pioneer of modern singing in popular music. If one examines technically, historically, or just with a good ear; they will come to the conclusion that he was the most influential pop singer of the 20th century. Before Crosby, singers sang AT YOU (i.e. Al Jolson), or used the newly-invented microphone to amplify a soft and weak voice. Bing Crosby came along and presented the world with a style that was relaxed, intimate, unforced; yet passionate, interpretive; with a flare, fire, and sense of rhythm that was breath-taking; and at the time, groud-breaking. Unpretenious, full-fledged easy grace and charm. That's American art.Bing was the first of the white singers to understand Louis Armstrong's idea of time; and he inturn influenced Armstrong's singing and interpretation of lyrics. In fact, it's not far off to suggest that Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby (together, as both sides of the same coin) created American popular music; and by doing so, created popular music in general as it was and still is today. No pop singer can utter a note without (even if inadvertently) affecting an aspect of singing as created by Bing Crosby. Bing Crosby also had a great influence on American culture and the entertainment business throughout his life. He was the leading star in the movies, on records, and in radio for over 20 years. In Gary Giddins' excellent first volume of Bing Crosby's life, he chronicles the rise of Crosby and his place in American and world culture. Giddins writes with great knowledge of the time in which the tale takes place, and great humor. He also takes time to examine several individual recordings, films, appearnces, relationships, and radio show episodes of Bings. It is obvious that Giddins likes his subject, but he is also critical of Crosby wen called for. So, it is a well-rounded biography and not just a tribute or a hatchet-job (2 extremes that are often the case in celeb-bios). This is only volume one, tracing Bing's life from birth to 1940; before he shot to the biggest international stardom that had ever been. So, we can wait with Chrismas Eve child-like impatience for volume 2, which might even be better than the first one consdering the sequel contains the peak years. A must for any fan of music, American cultural history, jazz, films, hollywood, and of course, Bing Crosby.
Rating:
Summary: A thorough look at an enigmatic man.
Review: Bing Crosby's reputation has not fared well in the years after his death. His screen image of an easy-going, ordinary guy seemed to ring false, especially with the publication of a kind of "Daddy Dearest" book by one of his sons. Moreover, his singing seemed unlikely to undergo the kind of revival of popularity that Frank Sinatra's has. Gary Giddins is out to change much of that. He convincingly argues that Crosby was one of the key figures among American singers -- or even entertainers in general -- in the 20th century. Giddins argues that Crosby was the first to fully understand the change caused by the widespread introduction of records and to adapt his technique accordingly. This book is extremely well researched, but Giddins is such a superb writer that he never allows the details to bog down the narrative, a fault common to academic biographers who seem to be incapable of leaving out the smallest detail about their subjects. Moreover, Giddins has extensive knowledge about popular culture of the period that allows him to put in Crosby in the perspective of his time. Crosby turns out to be a better person than many might think. He seems to have lacked any racial prejudice; he was a great admirer of Louis Armstrong and worked to get in him into films when black entertainers were either shunned or forced into Uncle Tom roles. He was, if anything, excessively modest about his own abilities, giving the credit to others for his success. He was for the most part easy to work with in the studio or on a film set, only balking when his reasonable requests were ignored. He was generous to people he had known in the past who had fallen on hard times. Yet Giddins is careful not to ignore Crosby's faults as well. As friendly as he could be, he did not open up to people, even those he had known for years. His first marriage slowly turned into something of a disaster as his wife developed drinking and other mental problems. (Several people are quoted as saying that the drinking problems were the result of helping Crosby break his own drinking problem, but I'm not sure I understand the logic of that and Giddins is no help on this point). For all of that, Crosby comes across as an admirable person. Perhaps this book and its successor will spur a greater interest in Crosby the singer. Whether this happens or not, anyone interested in American entertainment in the last century will want to read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Bing Crosby, An Okay Guy, A Few Flaws, But Cool Guy!
Review: Bing Crosby, what I have to say is. What A Man! What A Man! He had one of the greatest voices I ever heard on a man, I loved his voice, his beautiful crooning voice, I loved his voice more then Sinatra. I loved the way Bing Crosby loved Blacks, especially blacks in music, he learned how to sing listening to Blacks, you can tell, he a very rare voice compared to other whites back then, you can hear that rhythm and soul, and the famous scat singing that blacks popularized, Bing Crosby broke racial barriers when it came to music, he had more black fans, then Sinatra and other white singers, he had it equal blacks and whites as fans, which was very rare and he tried to get Blacks top billings, something very rare in the 30s ans 40s. The books talks a lot about his friendship with Louis Armstrong. Book is good all around, it talks about his flaws and faults, but what man don't, but I like him because he didn't try to be perfect, or look like the good wholesome faithful family man like Bob Hope. A regular man has temptations, so you know how it is in Hollywood, the temptations are really tough because everything is easily given to you, women throw themselves at you, drugs, alchohol, you can get anything or get away with anything you want, but there's a price to pay, and he paid it. But all in all he was a good, likeable guy. We don't know what happen behind close doors with his kids, just remember their regular people just like you and I, and because they were rich and famous, that don't mean there was happiness, happiness materially, but not real happiness, studios back then were strict and controlling, and you couldn't fight the studio, so they had to let out their steam somewhere and sadly the family was the victim, but if your a real fan, you'll love him no matter what.
Rating:
Summary: Great Intro to the first Multi-Media Megastar!
Review: Boy, has Mr. Giddins done some job here! And to think he stops in 1940,just before the war, and Bing's greatest period. When all those "Best of the Century" lists came up a while back,it seemed that Bing really got the short shrift. Every Christmas he becomes almost as ubiquious as a tree, and then fades away just as quickly.During the depression years, it is said, Mr. Crosby was almost as famous and beloved as FDR himself (and without the President's hysterical enemies). Everyone knew his voice,singing or speaking, everyone with a radio that is,and during this period the radio was like TV and radio today.And Bing's appeal was not limitted to this or that age group,race,income ,what have you. He was recording with Louis Armstrong, when Elvis was in the cradle.(Elvis often gets credit for breaking musical racial barriers.) He was casually referred to as "Everyone's Uncle". His list of hits surpassed even the Beatles a generation later. Did you know he was color-blind? That explains his often odd (not color coordinated) apparel.He could drive because of the position the 3 shaded electric lights have (had). And he was a star baseball player in his day...But he hit it bigger than even Babe Ruth,and lasted a lot longer!! A terrific bio,it does require an effort and is rather long...Bing's last words while on a golf course in Spain: "Well, fellows, thanks for a great game of golf"...Now, it seems clear that many of his recordings may not hold up too well,especially compared to Sinatra who came later.(Bing on Frank:"He has a voice that comes only once a lifetime.Why did it have to be in mine?") Still, his Christmas movies and recording legacy will be eternal. Long Live Bing!!
Rating:
Summary: MORE THAN JUST AN ECHO IN THE VALLEY!
Review: Did you know that Bing Crosby started out as a Law Student, or that he "bombed" at the New York Paramount Theatre in his first appearances there with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, or that Hollywood glued his ears back because they were too "big" on screen, or that he credits Louie Armstrong for heightening his awareness of phrasing a song and scatting? Gary Giddens has researched interviews and archives to bring the beauty of "Bing", to our attention again in this book. Photographs are included and reveal this multi-talented, multi-faceted, gifted entertainer, singer and movie star. He was suave, swinging, affable, an acknowledged "nice" guy. Much more that just an echo in the valley, he was a pioneering jazz vocalist capable of delivering and commanding every kind of music: spiritual songs, blues, western ballads, Irish lullabies. Remember those delightful "On the Road" films with Dorothy Lamour and Bob Hope? While you are reading this book, listen to Bing's CD's; especially, "Bing Crosby- His Legendary Years 1931-1957". He is just too marvelous for words, and according to author Gary Giddins, dramatized pop and played a central role in American cultural history.
Rating:
Summary: MORE THAN JUST AN ECHO IN THE VALLEY!
Review: Did you know that Bing Crosby started out as a Law Student, or that he "bombed" at the New York Paramount Theatre in his first appearances there with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, or that Hollywood glued his ears back because they were too "big" on screen, or that he credits Louie Armstrong for heightening his awareness of phrasing a song and scatting? Gary Giddens has researched interviews and archives to bring the beauty of "Bing", to our attention again in this book. Photographs are included and reveal this multi-talented, multi-faceted, gifted entertainer, singer and movie star. He was suave, swinging, affable, an acknowledged "nice" guy. Much more that just an echo in the valley, he was a pioneering jazz vocalist capable of delivering and commanding every kind of music: spiritual songs, blues, western ballads, Irish lullabies. Remember those delightful "On the Road" films with Dorothy Lamour and Bob Hope? While you are reading this book, listen to Bing's CD's; especially, "Bing Crosby- His Legendary Years 1931-1957". He is just too marvelous for words, and according to author Gary Giddins, dramatized pop and played a central role in American cultural history.
Rating: 
Summary: Gary bungles Bing!
Review: Gary bungles Bing! The prose is as stylish and as scintillating as if it were written by a professor of English under the influence of Derrida. I had to plod through each chapter -- and I'm a fan of Bing. But that's Giddins -- he plods, too. The book reads as if it weren't edited. For instance, Giddins devotes two pages to a plot summary of Bing's movie, The Big Broadcast. It's about as interesting as hearing your brother-in-law talk about last night's television. Worse, Giddis is dismissive and condescending to much music of the 1920s and 30s. He dissses Rudy Vallee, Guy Lombardo, among others. He doesn't discuss crooners such as Al Bowlly (British, but popular in America) and Smith Ballew. All of Bing's career leads to the music that Gary Giddins admires most. There are those of us who would come to the opposite conclusion as Giddins (who prefers later Crosby) -- namely, that early Bing is best, and music of the 20s and 30s tops that of the 40s and 50s. There is little about Bing's personal life. But why go on? Giddins could have covered all of Crosby's life in ONE VOLUME of fewer than 600 pages, if he had had a competent editor. This whole volume reads like liner notes. Ever remember album liner notes? Buy Crosby's recordings instead of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended story of Bing Crosby's early life
Review: Gary Giddens' treatment of the early years of Bing Crosby's life began to draw me from the first time I saw it on a shelf. Perhaps it was the inviting cover photo. Nonetheless, I first resisted, then finally succumbed. Boy, am I glad I did. Gary Giddens is a hypnotic writer, with a prose style that draws one into the narrative. But then his subject is the most popular entertainer of the 20th century. Bing Crosby was a media sensation during his life--he was huge in recorded music, of course, but he was also huge in radio and on the screen--and Giddens tells it all about the first 37 years of Bing's life. I am not much of a reader of biographies, but this book makes me hunger for the sequel, which I suppose will be entitled The Later Years, 1941-1977. I cannot say enough good about this book, but I was especially enchanted with Giddens' description of the genesis of the Crosby-Hope relationship in the last chapter. The book is divided into 26 chapters in two parts. The first part--Bingo from Bingville--recounts Bing's life from birth to his debut in radio. The second part--Everybody's Bing--examines his transformation into the beloved treasure he became and concludes with an analysis of the impact of the first of the Road movies. Giddens, an important jazz critic for The Village Voice, wrote this book to help modern audiences understand the impact Bing Crosby had on popular music (his influence has no parallel)and the presentation of that music on radio and in movies. So, this book is not just for those who enjoyed and even revered Bing Crosby while he was alive, it is also a book for those who would like to put the contributions of musicians like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Madonna in proper perspective to say nothing of modern radio personalities and movie actors. Do yourself a favor--read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The Authoritative Book on Bing's Early Years
Review: Gary Giddin's long-awaited biography gets off to a good start with the first volume, looking at the early years of Crosby. These are the years that made Bing Crosby into a national sensation. Those unfamiliar with Crosby's earlier work, may not quite realize what a significant figure he was in the evolution of popular music. Here was a white artist singing and legitimizing for a broader artist the songs, techniques, and feeling of black artists. Though the book's first two chapters detailing the arrival of Crosby's ancestors to the country (really, does anyone want to read about this??) are of interest only to other biographers, the book as a whole soon starts sailing into the life of Bing Crosby. It's all here, the good, the bad, and the ugly. While this volume doesn't yet get to the more difficult years described in Gary Crosby's book, the author's tone makes it clear he thinks Bing was a complex man. He's quick to dismiss the more unsavory biographies of Crosby written in the wake of his death, and his evidence seems to indicate that perhaps Crosby has been the victim of hatchet jobs. The book is also an outstanding chronicle of the Crosby records and films of this era, with very detailed recounts of the making of some of his most notable tracks and movies. It ends with the filming and release of "The Road to Singapore," and sets the stage for the next volume focusing on the Legendary Years.
Rating:
Summary: The definitive look at Crosby
Review: Gary Giddins has pealed away the mendacity that has surrounded Bing Crosby in published literature since his death. Bing was pilloried in books by his son Gary, and painted in other biographies as a philandering, cold-as-ice misanthrope. Finally Crosby fans can embrace a book which contains much positive information on one of the greatest and most influential Americans icons of the 20th century. Bing's brilliance has been inexplicably eclipsed since his death. Hopefully, this book will introduce the Crosby magic to those who have never been exposed to it. Without Bing Crosby, popular music would not sound the way it sounds today, it's that simple. When he first started singing with Paul Whiteman's band in the 20's as a member of the Rhythm Boys, all vocalists sounded the same: weak-kneed tenors warbling through megaphones, ala the insufferable Rudy Vallee. Bing's mellifluous, effortless baritone became the standard by which every other singer strove to emulate: Sinatra, Como, Dean Martin and every other singer initially copied Bing. Giddins correctly emphasizes Bing's influence on 20th century pop culture. He was a vocal innovator par excellence and his jazz phrasing, timing and cadence remains unmatched. Giddins also explores in great depth Crosby's numerous affairs, his tortured marriage to the alcoholic Dixie Lee, and brings out some interesting gossip: did you know Bing smoked pot regularly with Louis Armstrong in the early 30's? No more Mr. Goody Two Shoes! I've loved Bing Crosby all my life and have waited a lifetime for an intelligent and readable biography. Gary Giddins is an excellent writer and researcher and he has created a minor masterpiece. This is an essential addition to any Crosbyphile's bookshelf.
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