Yes, I agree with both of you Colin and Pantelis.

Colin, your statement of Bing's cumulative sales far exceeding Sinatra's, Presley's, The Beatles' and Michael Jackson's combined gives us all pause for thought in an age where when I now ask anyone under the age of twenty-five who Bing Crosby is, they might if they're American be mistaken that I have said US comedian, Bill Cosby. The mention of the song "White Christmas" usually tends to receive far more recognised responses from both British and American audiences. 

Bing's historical legacy is long secured. He's made the history books and is recognised among musical culturists and educators as a major figure. 

However, it is alarming for such a massive and influential name of the 1930's through to the 1950's (and beyond) that the amnesia of popular culture is well at work. It seems to be something exclusive to popular culture.
Who here of certain, younger generations would be viewed as eccentric if attending a classical music concert, some of whose works could easily be of over three hundred years? That usually seems acceptable (if sometimes foolishly viewed as elitist) and yet should one confess to an admiration and enjoying anyone within popular culture who does not  correspond much beyond one's own generation, antiquity is the accusation. One the most ill informed and backward of attitudes - but sadly largely prevalent. 

I am afraid it seems to be this which informs so much neglect of an artiste of Bing's calibre. Popular culture can ignore the earlier greats, no matter their pioneering achievements. This is mostly, due to their later lack of "fashion" and of course, continued exposure. A handful of years ago, I met my first adult who had not even heard the name "Charlie Chaplin". I think with this lack of basic pop-cultural knowledge, I don't think dear Bing stands half a chance with the broader population.

Thank goodness for the likes of some of our younger members such as Pantelis, who will keep the Crosby flame burning for years to come. 
 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (25/7/2026 12:25 am)

Yes, I'm afraid among those currently aged from their thirties to middle fifties with whom I speak, the name Bing Crosby generally gains recognition from either just "White Christmas" or corporal punishment. That in itself is so ingrained into the culture that I even saw him and this portrayed a few years ago on an episode of "American Dad".

At least telly-animation wise, Bob Hope fared far better. Not only living long enough (when nudging ninety) to provide his own voice and knowingly appear in a cameo in "The Simpsons" but was shown both still in active performance and athletically dangling from a helicopter!

The hatchet jobs, primarily eldest son's Gary's book and the slightly earlier one by Donald Shepherd and Robert F Slatzer, do seem for now to be sticking. It grieves me to report that the city library authority for whom I work, now only has a single archived copy of this publication across my full county ... to be the only representation of any biography we have on Bing.

However, I do think one thing the passage of time will benefit Bing is that they will be long forgotten as the entertainment legacy of our man will remain undeniable. Just as Jolson's more unpleasant recorded behaviour is fading fast, I believe those two hatchet jobs will also prove less and less relevant. 

It's interesting to note that with the younger adults I know, who seem to enjoy and recognise the music of Sinatra far, far more, are not too aware, if at all, of his allegations of ties to organised crime.

So, as already mentioned with regard to a Primary Wave multi-part documentary, we can wait in hope. 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (25/7/2026 2:35 am)

I'm so delighted to know that your town's university library has such a decent selection of Bing books. I suppose it goes along with the notion that although no longer widely heard and broadcast, Bing is taken seriously within the cause of popular musical history. Our Malcolm's "Day by Day" is such an incredible achievement and I am so pleased that an author of Gary Giddins' distinction has also been recognised, there.

I believe his books on Bing have done so much to redress the balance of Bing's neglect. I really hope that at some point Mr Giddins is given the where with all to complete what will then be his trilogy. 
Do you happen to know if his publisher of Little Brown were pleased enough with the sales of " .. The War Years" (volume two)? I understand from an interview with Gary, the deal was that they went along with his change of plan to devote volume two away from it being the closing one -  to just the 1940-46 period but if the sales weren't good enough, Little Brown were not obligated to publish a final and third volume. 

 I think it's inevitable that the influence of the hatchet jobs will continue for a good while longer. I know it's highly regrettable but the extremities of their claims go so against Bing's incredibly charming public image that they have long become too much to ignore.

It is indeed terrific that Bing's estate is playing far more of a part in promoting him, these days. His late widow Kathryn was certainly most active with this a number of years after Bing's death. Three very interesting and beautifully presented books of her own - and the sanctioning of some lovely projects such as that beautiful seven CD "CBS Radio Recordings" on Mosaic.

Yes, the highly active Sinatra estate and family have performed wonderfully in maintaining their father's legacy. I noticed in the 1998 BBCTV arts strand "Arena" documentary tribute which was first aired the night after Sinatra died, his alleged mafia activities were carefully covered by using an archive interview conducted with Nancy Jr. I noticed in the years leading up to Frank's death, his family seemed more willing to publicly address this subject.

 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (25/7/2026 11:40 pm)