Celebrities Project: Bing Crosby

It has been fun thinking about Bing Crosby and listening to Bing Crosby music over the past several weeks, especially since I associate him so closely with the holiday season. I also liked learning about how he was from Spokane and I hope to visit the Crosby home the next time I drive out that way. This childhood home has a very different look and aesthetic to the mid-century home that Bing owned in the Coachella Valley area of California!

Today is also an interesting day to start writing this post, since January 4th marks the 74th anniversary of when the Bing Crosby home at Toluca Lake caught fire, due to a dry Christmas tree. I'm glad that I packed my Christmas decorations away yesterday!

In order to understand Bing's life and career beginnings better, I decided to read Bing Crosby: Pocket Full of Dreams, 1903-1940 by Gary Giddins. Like so many of the autobiographies that I have read this year, this one also meandered to discuss the lives of the people who interacted with Bing. Luckily, though, these tangents were a lot less lengthy than the ones that I've encountered in other biographies. This book helped me to understand more about the importance of technology in Bing Crosby's life: he really was born at the the right time for a mellow baritone voice to become famous, due to the invention of the radio (airwaves favors lower, resonant voices), the microphone, and the rise of sound recording technology. If Bing Crosby were born at a different time, without these inventions, he and his voice might not have made a great impact on popular culture.

Bing had a very prolific career, so I chose to focus on a few key points of his career in music, radio, and film. It was fun to listen to his voice, because his low tones and bright, controlled whistling remind me of my Grandpa T. One song that I particularly enjoyed discovering was "Whistling in the Wildwood." The subject matter reminds me of J's Grandpa P, and I learned from my mother-in-law that Grandpa P also was a whistler too. So it's fun to listen to this song and think of two different grandpas at the same time:



I also had my kids listen (and dance!) to Bing Crosby's Jingle Bells duet with the Andrews Sisters. I showed Lucy a clip of Sam dancing to this music when he was her age, and she was inspired to dance around too. I was surprised to learn that Bing never really formed a friendship with the Andrews Sisters. They had a strictly professional relationship and wouldn't really communicate outside of the studio. This is surprising to me, since their duets are some of the most well known and commercial recordings from Bing's career!

One of the ways in which Bing became extremely popular was through his work as the radio host for the Kraft Music Hall show. These radio shows were written out verbatim, but Bing's delivery is very natural and casual. I decided to listen to one excerpt of the show, in which eighteen-year-old Donald O'Connor is the guest (especially after learning that Bing worked with Donald O'Connor when he was twelve years old, during the 1938 film Sing You Sinners).



Over the past few several I've seen a few films with Bing Crosby (High Society, The Country Girl, and Robin and the Seven Hoods), simply due to the other actors that I've been studying.  There still were many films to choose from, though, so this month I watched these Bing Crosby films:

• Going My Way (1944): I've seen his movie before, but I could remember much about it. I decided to rewatch it, though, because Bing won an Oscar for Best Actor. To be honest, though, I felt like the film was slow-going (and Barry Fitzgerald's jittery character wore on my nerves).
• Holiday Inn (1942): This is a fun film that also has some great comedic moments between Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. It's fun to see Bing Crosby sing "White Christmas" in this holiday film, too. I think I enjoyed this film the most, next to Road to Morocco.
• Road to Hollywood: This documentary is a "bonus feature" on one of the DVDs that I own, but I never watched it before. The 1947 film purports to discuss the rise of Bing Crosby to fame in Hollywood, using a string of short subject films that Bing created in 1931. This compilation seems rather haphazard, though. It's rather boring, and the audio is very poor in the early films. I don't think I'll watch this again!
• Road to Morocco (1942): I had a hard time deciding which "Road" movie to choose, but this blog post ranked the series and said that they thought Road to Morocco was the best. I've seen it before, but it had been a long time. It was quite funny and enjoyable, and I loved tons ee Bing's comedic timing. (The biography I read emphasized that people who personally knew Bing felt like the "Road" series best captured his true persona.)  J even watched this film with me and laughed several times. My favorite line is when Bing and Bob Hope are walking through the desert, and Bop Hope ad libs, "This must be the place where the empty all of the old hour glasses."

I also have been really saddened by the recent news of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher's deaths, so I specifically sought out video clips of Say One For Me (1959), in which Bing Crosby and Debbie Reynolds perform together:

This song The Secret of Christmas is a little hokey with Debbie Reynolds singing next to the television screen projecting Bing's image, but it is still cute to see them singing "together":

I also was able to learn a little bit about Bing Crosby's connection to art history, which I covered on my art history blog, not only with his art collecting but also his Stagecoach portrait by Norman Rockwell. I feel more connected with him, knowing that he was interested not only in art, but also in reading. He was well spoken and intelligent. I also admire that he was a hard worker: he liked to fill his daily schedule and make sure that he was on time (if not early!) to his appointments. I can relate to having or desiring those traits!

Because I got behind on this project, I wasn't able to learn about Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra before 2016 ended. I hope to learn about them sometime this year, but I don't think that I'll undertake a similar project for 2017. I'm ready to stop readying biographies and enjoy some fiction! My only goal for 2017 this far is to finish up my celebrities project at some point. I'm drowning in books that I've put aside for this project, and it will be nice to read some of them this coming year.

Bing Crosby Facts and Statistics

As I've been learning about Bing Crosby, I've been reading Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams - The Early Years 1903-1940 by Gary Giddins. Here are a couple of facts that I've learned:

• Bing Crosby received a classical Jesuit education at Gonzaga High School and Gonzaga University. He is the only major singer in American popular music to receive a classical education.
• Bing Crosby didn't know how to read music, but he had an amazing audiographic memory and could memorize and sing back anything that was played for him.
• "In a national poll conducted in the late 1940s, Crosby was voted the most admired man alive, ahead of Jackie Robinson, Generals Eisenhower and MacArthur, Harry Truman, Bob Hope, and the Pope." (Loc. 174-175, Kindle version).
• "He was the first full-time vocalist ever signed to an orchestra"(Loc. 209-213, Kindle version).
• "He made more studio recordings than any other singer in history (about 400 more than Sinatra)" (Loc. 209-213, Kindle version).
• "He made the most popular record ever, "White Christmas," the only single to make American pop charts twenty times, every year but one between 1942 and 1962" (Loc. 209-213, Kindle version).
• "He scored the most number one hits ever, thirty-eight, compared with twenty-four by the Beatles and eighteen by [Elvis] Presley" (Loc. 216, Kindle version).

Grace Kelly Films

I've been watching Grace Kelly's films this month, in the order in which they were released, and last night I finished the last one she made before retiring (right before her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco). Some of the films I intentionally chose not to watch (and one I couldn't finish because it was so boring), but I will present them in order. In Grace Kelly's short seven-year career, she made eleven films before retiring to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Film #1: Fourteen Hours (1951) - I didn't watch this whole film, because Grace Kelly appears in the film for about two minutes altogether. She appears for a few seconds in the beginning (see 14:12 in this clip), and then later in a scene in which a couple rethinks signing their divorce papers.

Film #2: High Noon (1951) - This film is described as "a Western for people who don't like Westerns." I think that's a pretty accurate description! Grace Kelly's role was a little limited in this film, and as a result she didn't have much opportunity to give a great performance. But I did think she was able to convey some depth to her character in one scene with the actress Katy Jurado:

Film #3: Mogambo (1953) - This was the one film that was so boring that I had to turn it off after about an hour. The movie was very slow paced and the screen writing was just awful. Grace Kelly's performance wasn't that great either, and I think it partly has to do with the poor screenwriting. She also didn't have a lot of substantial lines (at least in the first hour that I saw), and the amorous glances she gave to Clark Gable were silly.

Film #4: Dial M for Murder (1954) - I still feel like Kelly serves as a backdrop and catalyst for action on part of the main (male) characters in the film, but there are some really convincing and intense scenes in this movie. The scissors scene (when Kelly stabs her attacker) is very intense. This scene was filmed over and over in order for Hitchcock to get the effect that he wanted. Not only was this physically and emotionally draining on the actors involved, but Hitchcock himself allegedly lost twenty pounds in filming this scene and trying to get it right.

Film #5: The Bridges at Tokyo-Ri (1954) - I chose not to watch this complete film, partly because Grace Kelly's role was rather minor and partly because I don't really think William Holden is that compelling of an actor. But I did see this amusing clip of the family swimming in a bath house in Japan. I think Kelly gives a good sense of her comedic timing here, even in this short clip.

Film #6: Rear Window (1954) - This is one that I skipped because I've already seen it several times. This is clip of my favorite moments of her from this film. I think she has such an elegant and classy demeanor, with just the right hint of wit:

Film #7: The Country Girl (1954): This is the film for which Grace Kelly won an Academy Award in 1955. I have to say, that I think she really does give one of her finest performances in this movie. I like that she intentionally chose to look dowdy and unattractive - it was even her idea to wear her own glasses in the film. Her acceptance of this role really showed me that she didn't want to be just a glamorous blonde untouchable icon (which Hitchock wanted her to be), but she was willing to embrace a variety of roles, costumes and demeanors. Bing Crosby gives one of the most vulnerable and emotional performances I have ever seen, particularly the scene in his dressing room near the latter part of the film; it definitely is the best acting that I have ever seen him do.

Below is one of the more poignant scenes in the film, although I wish that the Grace Kelly didn't kiss the other male character in this scene - I understand how it is important for the plot but I feel like it ruins the moment:

Film #8: Green Fire (1954): This is one that I intentionally didn't watch because Grace Kelly thought that the film was terrible and she was embarrassed about her participation in it.

Film #9: To Catch a Thief (1955): This is another one of my favorite Grace Kelly films. I like the banter and dialogue that she and Cary Grant parry back and forth, and I learned that a lot of the dialogue between them was improvised. They have great energy and a dynamic that keeps the rhythm of the film more fast-paced and engaging. She also has some really great dresses in this film, particularly her blue evening dress.

Film #10: The Swan (1956) - This movie is entertaining and has some really fun comedic moments (like the curtsy shown about 2:00 in this clip). Grace Kelly's fencing is also pretty impressive, too! Her character is a little reserved and boring at the beginning of the film, but she becomes much more of an interesting character as the film continues. It's also interesting to watch this film, knowing that this is the first film that Alec Guinness made in Hollywood (I think he looks a bit like David Niven in this role as the crown prince).

Film #11: High Society (1956) - This film was made after Grace Kelly's engagement to Prince Rainier. MGM offered her wardrobe from the film as a wedding present, and she even wore her own engagement ring in the film. One favorite moments in this film is when she sings with Bing Crosby. I think she has a nice alto voice and they blend nicely. In Grace Kelly's biography by David Spoto, he writes that her lighter, less trained singing voice is akin to Audrey Hepburn's voice in Moon River, but I disagree. I think that she has a more stable tone and purer sound than Hepburn.

The other scene in this movie that I love is when Grace Kelly tries to be an eccentric wealthy woman when she meets the reporters from Spy magazine. Her sense of comedy is really entertaining and fun:

Later on in life, after becoming the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly made another film called Rearranged (1979). She actually plays herself, the Princess of Monaco, in the film. To date, it hasn't been released by Grace Kelly's family, but i hope they decide one day to share this short film with Grace Kelly fans.

Fred Astaire --> Donald O'Connor --> Danny Kaye

Here's your classic movie fact for the day: Danny Kaye was the third person who was considered for the role of Phil Davis in the classic film, White Christmas.

 Originally, White Christmas was intended to reunite Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in another Irving Berlin musical. (Crosby and Astaire had previously co-starred in Holiday Inn and Blue Skies). However, Astaire declined the film after reading the script. (I wonder if Astaire ever regretted that decision!)

In turn, Donald O'Connor was selected to play opposite Bing Crosby. But get this: O'Connor got sick from a disease that he seems to have gotten from a mule. O'Connor had recently filmed Francis, a story about a soldier who gets befriended by a talking mule (see image above). This mule apparently transmitted some disease to O'Connor though, and he had to back out of White Christmas shortly before production.

In turn, Danny Kaye was considered for the job - but he asked for a huge paycheck ($200,000 plus ten percent of the gross), not thinking that his offer even would be accepted. Paramount was in a bind, however, and they accepted Kaye's request. And, in the end, aren't we all glad? I can't imagine this film without Danny Kaye.

I've always considered Donald O'Connor to be a poor imitation of Danny Kaye. But now I wonder if O'Connor was more popular than I have assumed. Was Donald O'Connor more desirable for the Phil Davis role? Or was he just a cheaper option for Paramount than Kaye? Who was the bigger star, and who influenced who? Could it be that Danny Kaye actually an imitation of Donald O'Connor? (If this is the case, the Kaye surpassed the actor whom he was imitating!) It looks like the two actors began their careers around the same time (if you discount O'Connor's appearance in Sing You Sinners as a twelve year-old boy).

Any thoughts? Who do you prefer: Donald O'Connor or Danny Kaye?

For more information, read Turner Classic Movies' article on White Christmas.

Christmas music

Keeping up with the theme of Christmas entertainment, I thought that I would also jot down some of the Christmas music that I especially love during this time of year.

I know that there are more songs to add to this list, but these are all of the ones I can think of at present. I’ll continually add to this list as I remember other wonderful Christmas songs (or become familiar with ones!).

• "White Christmas" sung by Bing Crosby (both the recorded version or the version from the beginning of the film).

• "Jingle Bells" sung by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters

• "The Christmas Song" (also called “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”) sung by Mel Tormé. (In 1963, the Judy Garland Christmas Show featured a fun duet for this song with Garland and Tormé).

• "Baby It’s Cold Outside" sung by Dean Martin (although I really love the new version that was recently released by American Idol contestants Casey Abrahms and Haley Reinhardt).

• "Christmas Blues" sung by Dean Martin (I'm guessing that the linked video is from a Colgate Comedy Hour episode.)

• "Let it Snow" sung by Dean Martin

• "Zat You, Santy Claus?" sung by Louis Armstrong

• "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" sung by Judy Garland (as performed in "Meet Me in Saint Louis")

• "Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town," specifically a jazzy arrangement by Kirby Shaw (This is a nostalgic song for me, since I sang this song in high school with my two close friends, Katie and Heather.)

•"Happy Xmas: The War is Over" by John Lennon (The music video for this song seems especially relevant this year, with all of the troops coming home.)

• "Wonderful Christmas Time" by Paul McCartney & Wings

I also love traditional,

sacred Christmas music

that has been written

over the centuries.

Choral performances

are some of my favorites.

• Handel’s "Messiah" (One of my favorite soprano soloists for the Messiah is Emma Kirby. I love listening to her agile, clear voice sing "For He is Like a Refiner's Fire.")

• "Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming," especially when sung by Frederica von Stade in the Carnegie Christmas concert (see below).

• "Coventry Carol" ("Lullay, Lullay, Thou Little Tiny Child")

• "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

• "The Angel Gabriel" (sometimes called "Gabriel's Message")

• Benjamin Britten’s "A Ceremony of Carols" (Some of my favorites are "Procession," "Wolcum Yole," "Spring Carol," "Balulalow," "Deo Gracias," and "There is No Rose.")

• "Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?" (or in French: "Quelle est cette odeur agréable?")

• Music from the 1991 Carnegie Christmas Concert with Frederica von Stade, Kathleen Battle, and Wynton Marsallis (I included a photo of Frederica and Kathleen at the top of this post). "The Twelve Days of Christmas" performance is one of my favorites. And I love "Gesu Bambino." And the "Christmas Songs" medley.

•I also love listening to fantastic Christmas music sung by boy choirs.

There are some great YouTube clips of the King's College Cambridge

choir singing, "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day," "Sussex Carol,"

"Maria Sitzt am Rosenhag," "Coventry Carol,"

and "In the Bleak Mid Winter."

Okay. Now it’s your turn. What Christmas songs do you enjoy?

Image above: Giotto's Nativity from the Scrovegni Chapel (1305-1306).

Christmas movies

This Christmas season has been especially fun with Sam this year. Now he’s old enough to appreciate a lot of the Christmas movies that Jeremy and I enjoyed when we were young. J and I have a lot of fun showing him different Christmas shows, books, and holiday-related activities that enjoyed when we were younger. We’ve also tried some new activities too, like going to the “Snowflake Lane” presentation (with a drum line dressed up like toy soldiers).

Here are the children’s Christmas shows that we have introduced to Sam this year:

• The claymation Christmas movies, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.

• A Charlie Brown Christmas

• How Grinch Who Stole Christmas (see here and here)

• ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (I don’t think I ever watched this show as a kid, but J watched it quite often.)

Sam especially loves How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We showed him the movie about the same time that we borrowed the Dr. Seuss book from J’s parents. Sam likes to reenact the Grinch’s movements while J reads the story. He especially likes to repeatedly pull down on an imaginary Max (see 5:32 of this clip), when the Grinch says, “It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!” Oh, and he also likes to slither and slink around the Christmas tree like the Grinch (see 4:19 of this clip).

We also have had many-a-conversation about how the Grinch was able to lift the sleigh after his heart grew three sizes. I think Sam interprets the Grinch to be some kind of superhero.

I’ve enjoyed revisiting these children’s Christmas movies with Sam this year. It will be fun to introduce him to my own favorite Christmas shows, as he gets older. Two of my favorite Christmas shows are It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas. J grew up watching the musical Scrooge with his family; he always wants to watch that show before Christmas. (I know – it’s a shocker that my husband actually likes a musical.) He also likes to watch Edward Scissorhands sometime around the holiday season. So, I guess for us, Christmas isn’t complete unless we can celebrate with Jimmy Stewart, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Albert Finney, and Johnny Depp.

What are your favorite Christmas movies (for the young and/or old)?

sam's christmas playlist

Sam has latched onto three Christmas songs this season: "Jingle Bells" (the Bing Crosby/Andrews Sisters version), "Santa Baby" (the original version with Eartha Kitt), and "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" (with Louis Armstrong).

There are particular things that Sam likes with each song. He likes how Bing and the Andrew Sisters have a few pauses during the last verse of their song (they sing, "Jingle [long pause] all the way..."). He thinks the male singers for "Santa Baby" are hilarious (the ones that sing, "Boom, boom" at the beginning of the song). And he really likes the drum (which sounds like rapping on the door) at the beginning of the Louis Armstrong song.

Sam's memorized the track numbers for each of these songs, and he can select the each one on the stereo without my help. He usually decides to turn on music while I'm cleaning in the kitchen. Since each song calls for a mandatory dance party, I get nice little breaks during dish duty. Here's a clip from one "Jingle Bells" party: