WE WELCOME THOSE WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN BING CROSBY. YOU WILL BE ASKED THREE QUESTIONS WHEN YOU REGISTER. DEPENDING ON YOUR ANSWERS, WE WILL EITHER APPROVE OR NOT APPROVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP. This requirement arises from misuse of the forum by a few.
KEEP AN EYE ON:-
Jon Oye keeps adding images to his site Contemplations on Classic Movies and Music
David Lobosco has continual additions to his site The Bing Crosby News Archive
Tony Mead adds photos and other interesting material Bing's Photos
NOTE: If you are having trouble logging in, please contact David Lobosco at davidlobosco@yahoo.com.
Offline
1928-with Paul Whiteman
1941-?
1945-Caramata
1954-Buddy Cole Trio
I've listened to 3/4 of these being the 1928, (1941 or 1945 version), and the 1954. What one is your favorite? Mine would have to be any of his ballad versions.
Also if someone can, may they send me the 1941 and 45 ones?
Offline
It doesn’t as a ballad, although I still like his version, but as a swing it fits. Now Old Man River as a swinging song doesn’t fit necessarily, but the way Bing does it almost makes up for it.
Offline
I like this song by Bing especially the earlier renditions.
The 1945 recording is at a different arrangement and tempo than those by other artists which sang it in the normal rendition.
Bing also sang it at his concerts in a faster beat as well.
That 1945 I don’t care for much.
Offline
Then I don't think I've heard the 1945 one then. There's 2 'unmarked' versions on YouTube, that, since I don't have those versions on CD, I can't identify.
Offline
The 1954 version, although all are great.
Offline
Offline
That one is wonderfully relaxed.
Offline
Offline
Bing does a great job of the up-tempo versions so I like the Whiteman and TV versions.
Offline
Oh the 1928 Whiteman one. As a lover and admirer of Paul Robeson's definitive version, I think the up tempo treatments are such a super and (when I was younger) unexpected contrast. Bing is so natural and subtle on this version. The 1954 Buddy Cole recording runs a close, glorious (perhaps more fulsomely rhythmic) second.
Last edited by Ian Kerstein (02/4/2022 7:29 pm)
Online!
I think Bing really only got the hang of the song recording wise when he recorded with Buddy Cole in 1955 but the song belongs to Paul Robeson.
Offline
I agree about the 1955 version, love the uptempo and Bing sounds like he's having fun signing it.