OSHER 303 - The Songs and Career of Bing Crosby

The course will cover the songs made popular by Bing Crosby, America's first multimedia star. From 1931 to 1954 Crosby led all singers in record sales, radio ratings, and motion picture grosses. Crosby's intimate singing style influenced Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, et al. I have compiled a Bing Crosby songbook and possess some pertinent CDs of his hit recordings. Sitting at the Monson Center Steinway, I will lecture on the background of key songs, Crosby's life, and play his hits. I will show clips from his movies. On a few of the widely popular songs, the entire class will be invited to sing along.