In some ways, since they had just talked to Gary, I would imagine that the mention of a third volume being in the works is more concrete than the idea has been in the past. I also remember that Gary has said that all of the research is done for the third volume, it is just a matter of writing it. I don't know, I certainly hope that the third volume can happen. Bing's 1974-1977 career has always been so fascinating to me and I would love to hear Gary's take on it.

If volume 3 happens I think the challenge that faces Mr Giddins is to cover the last 30 years. Considering he devoted volume 2 entirely on the war years and when you think about it, the first volume only covers 15 years of Bing's professional career. Even though Bing slowed down during the 1960s, the period of 1947 to 1977 was still incredibly productive. 
I hope volume 3 does happen. When I look at my book shelf it looks like I couldn't afford to complete a set. Kind of like I only have volume 2 & 3 of Fred Reynold's books. (I'm working on that though).

You're right, Pantelis. It can be done. 

There was a wonderful book written a few years back by Aidan Levy on the life and music of tenor saxophonist, Sonny Rollins (who only passed away earlier this year at the age of 95). It covers a tremendous amount of detail. Highly recommend, if you are into the Bebop era. Sonny covered quite a few Crosby songs throughout his career, "I'm An Old Cowhand" being the most outstanding. Also interesting to note with the recent passing of Dolly Parton, Sonny also covered "Here You Come Again".

Anyway, what I wanted to say about the Sonny Rollins book is that Gary Giddins is mentioned in the thanks and acknowledgement section of Mr Levy's book. Giddins also interviewed him when the book was released. Aidan flipped the compliments back on Gary and told viewers to get their hands on Gary's two volumes on Bing.
 

Last edited by Aaron Tickner (02/10/2026 11:03 am)

The Ken Barnes book is smashing. So good on Bing's recording career, especially those final years where Ken played such a vital role.

Although this sounds most encouraging, I'd still love to know if the sales of Gary Giddins' volume two fared well enough for his publisher Little Brown to take on volume three? I've heard in an interview Gary gave on the publication of volume two that as the original agreement with his publishers was for just a two book biography that their participation in volume three would depend on the sales of the second book. 

I think as Aaron has mentioned, although there is still a huge amount to cover career wise from 1946 to 1977, the 1960s rapid and major reduction of Bing's recording career, the gradual lessening and then effective disappearance of his film career and the total evaporation of his radio show presence should help lessen the load. I realise there is plenty of slack to be taken up by his second marriage and new family (of which I'm sure Kathryn was able to sizably contribute), television career and recording resurgence but I think there is enough balance between these two aspects to make a comfortable, single volume three. 

Plus, as Pantelis has wisely noted, there are great single volume biographies of impressive public figures. In our field of interest, after decades of "cut and paste" or "approved" works on Bob Hope, also taking into account a couple of hatchet jobs and of course Bob's own numerous, light hearted memoirs, finally around a decade ago came the Richard Zoglin book, "Hope, Entertainer of the Century". Although (and as a huge Hope admirer) I'd possibly only protest at the hyperbole of its title, this was the biography I'd been waiting on Hope for for years. It most certainly didn't disapoint in its balanced nature, detailed but accesible, page turning prose and superb, dilligent research. 

Although when considering another dreadfully over hyped titled work, "Ol' Blue Eyes is Back" and yet compare it with the beautiful vocals, carefully chosen new songs and their arrangements within Sinatra's studio-return album, what's a title between friends? 

Last edited by Ian Kerstein (Today 6:16 am)

I do too, Colin.
I just so fervently hope it happens.