Book summary

In this comprehensive biography of Bing Crosby, Gary Giddins traces the star's life back to his wild childhood in Spokane, Washington, where Crosby--although an intelligent, popular boy--indulged in alcohol, women, and fist-fights. Eventually he realized his talent and secured a position in Paul Whiteman's orchestra, where he developed a style and an audience of his own. By the mid-1930s, Giddins points out that Crosby--between public appearances--was starring in three movies and recording around 40 albums per year. In addition to chronicling the legendary singer's rise to fame, Giddins offers keen insights into social and historical contexts. A New York Times Notable Book for 2001.

Media reviews

"In his data-packed, tirelessly adulatory biography of Bing Crosby, Gary Giddins often tells his readers more than they need to know. ....[F]or all the prodigious research that makes this an obvious labor of love and only half of a projected two- volume opus, there is something essential missing. In some fundamental way, it's Crosby himself; he is embedded in the book everywhere but never freed to be its vibrant subject. To the extent that a man most often described as easygoing was not knowable, perhaps that opacity was inevitable, but not necessarily. This biography is best read to the accompaniment of a Crosby soundtrack. And the suppleness of the music shames the turgidness of the book."