-Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was born on this date in 1903, and he became the best selling recording artist of the 20th century. Far from being merely a "light comedian," Bing was also a hugely popular movie star, appearing in classics such as Holiday Inn, Going My Way, The Bells of St. Mary's, and White Christmas. And of course, there were also all those Road movies with Bob Hope, which could definitely qualify as the light comedy he was talking about. Bing actually won the best actor Oscar for his role as Father O'Malley in Going My Way, which is my favourite Crosby film.
I love Bing Crosby's voice- it's kind of the musical equivalent of comfort food. His rich baritone is like a warm sweater on a chilly day... which I could use right now, come to think of it. I love listening to him sing solo, but I also have his duet album, which is great, as he sings with Bob Hope, Louis Armstrong, the Andrews sisters, and many others. I wish we had a modern day equivalent to Bing, but we're stuck in what frequently seems like musical purgatory at this time. Oh well, one upside is that it's never been easier to listen to great music from the past. Happy Birthday, Mr. Crosby: wish you were here- and I mean that sincerely.