I have a real soft spot for Charles Thompson's 1976, "Bing - The Authorised Biography", which I first read aged twelve years on a beautiful summer's narrow boat cruise in Shropshire. I do appreciate so much research has been uncovered since Bing's death but the book has such a breezy, cozy and intimate warmth to it, with the now seemingly untraceable author having spoken at length to not only Bing - but also to many of Crosby's associates, still around at the time. 

Malcolm's "Day By Day" book is just so invaluable. I never cease to be amazed and staggered at the enormity of his vast and beautifully readable achievement. Talk about the ultimate reference book on Bing. it's attention to detail is always a fan's delight to dip into. If it wasn't so heavy, I'd take it with me, each time I go away.

It's also been such an honour and privilege to have the acquaintance of this hugely knowledgeable, friendly, cheery, warm and twinkling self effacing gentleman. And to have landed a couple of years ago, my own (now author signed)  copy, without having to have sold my house. Honestly, gang - copies are now becoming like hen's teeth!

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (13/10/2024 11:59 pm)

A few more I would like to mention are Nathaniel's book, The Crosby( golf book) and the one Bing's niece wrote, Elko. Sorry I forgot exact titles. I have to get my books out but you know which ones I mean. Lol! Anton, I will watch your video later.

Ian Kerstein wrote:

Also, speaking of the family member's literary efforts, a nod towards Kathryn's perhaps less known "Bing and Other Things" from the middle nineteen-sixties. Although my late brother for some reason found the title eccentrically hilarious, I found the book very well written, quirky, curious but fairly revelatory. Although at the same time, I found it still managed to preserve the intrigue of their marriage. 

Well said Ian!! I feel that Bing and Other Things is the best book from the three that Kathryn wrote. In it's 180-page the octavo-size memoir published by Meredith Press in 1967 is the only book covering Kathryn’s childhood, her showbussines debut, while giving an intimate portrait of Bing and their vivid life together. The book is built in a spinal structure where focuses on a specific chapter of her life. She also employes rare literary devices. The chapter "Becoming Nurse, The Hard Way" is by far the best chapter that Kathryn ever wrote, the letter device she uses there, results in a literary masterpiece.The dialogues she included in some of the chapters were very humorous very inteligent. She was very talented author and that was her best ever project, the book was more well-written than the more carefully crafted memoirs of the later decades, Bing and Other Things got a spontaneous style, a direct narration aproach that was creating the illusion of intimacy. 

Thank you, Carmela and Pantelis for your continued over kindnesses in your continued praise and agreements with me. I already struggled, today with moving my freshly swollen head through the door frame of my house, as I attempted to leave for my visit to the opticians and my bi-annual eye test.

I had no idea Kathryn's three books were also published in waterproof editions. 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (15/3/2025 5:43 pm)

Oh that's easy, Carmela. Reading far too many Bing books.

What's the general view on Charles Thompson's 1976 biography originally entitled "Bing - The Authorised Biography" and then the next year after Bing's demise, slightly updated and republished as "The Complete Crosby"? 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (16/3/2025 2:20 am)

As far as something written AFTER a career is over, BOTH Gary Giddins books are excellent ,although I do not always agree on his analysis .I also await his final volume./ Malcom's book is also very good, a good reference./While obviously incomplete, the (1950) mostly in record references, CROSBY ON RECORD is still fun to read, especially noting (US) Brunswick Masters, as penned by obvious Crosby (1930s) fanatics Edward J. Mellow & Tom McBride, If the Crosby legacy had ended here, it still would have been a great career.. Perhaps those early 1930s BRUNSWICK MASTERS ,noting different takes, were indeed  his greatest recorded legacy? / My favorite Crosby book is the earlier (1946) "Bing Crosby and The Bing Crosby Style-Crosbyana" by Dr. J.T.H. Mize. His personal 'picks' ,while I do not always agree, are something that grabs you. As written  when Bing was MOST COMMERCIALLY successful, Mize's serious (musical) background takes on Bing's earlier recordings, as well as his (then ) current 1940s recorded fodder. He also takes on Bings films & radio, gathers other media ,as well as noting the (then) current rivalry from Frank Sinatra. In retrospective, working with what he had , Mize, while perhaps not an original 1920s-30s follower, put it all together very well./

Gary Giddon's is not done yet. I do not have too much to be negative about. In fact, I plan to purchase his last volume about Bing as soon as it is released. /There is a 2004 book by Lenny Kaye called "You Call It Madness-The Sensuous Song of The Croon". It has rival crooner Russ Columbo's pic on the cover. He could have called the book "Crosby, Columbo & Vallee" .Giddon's covered this, and Kaye ADDS more. Kaye also follows Bing around. It's a great read, mostly about the time (1931-1934) that found POPULAR MUSIC defined by Bing, followed by others. / I am not so much concerned about Bing's personal life, although I regard Gary Crosby's "Going My Way" something written to cash in. He needed the money. I also find "The Hollow Man" as something just as mean. Rubbish. As a man, Bing must have had some bad days. He did have family problems. I don't think he was vicious. We do know for sure he helped a lot of people. Lots of charity work. / I do hope Giddons will be able to provide & focus MORE about BING'S sales stats, giving Crosby the credit his legacy deserves. /

Yes Graham I like that book too and I think the author had the same name as you!! Very well researched and a good read. I also like the Bob Thomas book “The One and Only Bing” released just after his death in 1978. I hope Gary Giddens is able to complete Volume 3 of his series but as time goes by it seems unlikely. We can only hope!

Hi Ian I hope all is well. In regards to Graham’s book it’s an extremely well researched book in almost the same style as Malcolm’s book “Day by Day” and as big in size and weight as Gary Giddens books about Bing. It deals purely with Bing’s impact on Australian audiences and covers everything from record and film releases as well as sales information and newspaper articles. Unfortunately it was a limited edition and is sadly now sold out. A wonderful research reference for us Aussies!

dgmprod wrote:

Hi Ian I hope all is well. In regards to Graham’s book it’s an extremely well researched book in almost the same style as Malcolm’s book “Day by Day” and as big in size and weight as Gary Giddens books about Bing. It deals purely with Bing’s impact on Australian audiences and covers everything from record and film releases as well as sales information and newspaper articles. Unfortunately it was a limited edition and is sadly now sold out. A wonderful research reference for us Aussies!

All is well, thanks and I hope the same with you, too. Goodness me, David. Thank you for your response. The book sounds beyond wonderful. I had never heard of this particular publication until reading of it on here. Plus with you now mentioning it in the same breath as our very own Malcolm's " ... Day by Day"  I was going to ask if you could remember and tell me who the author was. Talk about being slow on the uptake!!!!
Our very own Graham!!!
Congratulations once again, on your remarkable and highly informative series, "Bing Crosby - The Hollywood Years", which continues to delight. 
 

Thanks for your kind words Ian. I have only my personal copy and don't know of anyone in The United Kingdom who owns a copy.

Ian Kerstein wrote:

 
Pantelis - just an innocent question with my not having yet read the book.
Do you feel on reflection, Gary's "Baronial" description of their lifestyle was more or less centred on the house itself and the butler? I know you will have more than likely and most understandably taken great exception to Gidden's characterisation of Kathryn being demanding but I must confess, the word baronial is certainly one I could easily use to describe the house. I fully appreciate your view of the couple's grounded daily existence. I also realise it does sound a contradiction in terms as I type that their own butler, Alan Fisher is on film stating to the BBC's Barry Norman in 1984, that Bing's life there was very simple - but as we both note, he was actually there. I sometimes feel that the description of someone's "lifestyle" is often so closely tied to the type of home in which they live. 
Antiquated modesty would describe my home - or would that be my lifestyle or indeed me? No, modesty forbids. 

That's perhaps the best explanation, the adjective certainly reflects the status of their residence and as we recently see of their collections. Perhaps the fact that their palatial residence is indeed an opulent estate justifies the characterization. Giddins has made an immensely detailed research. The thing that helps him standout is his musical knowledges and his critical ability to reach logical conclusions respecting the difference between the known and the unknown. Its is a must read!