Bing Crosby was born Harry Lillis Crosby in Washington on May 2, 1904. He was the fourth of seven children. His Irish heritage came from his mother, Catherine Harrington, who was the daughter of a builder from County Mayo. He got his nickname Bing at the age of six because of his favorite character from a comic strip named The Bingville Bugle. Bing enrolled in Gonzaga College in Washington in 1920 intending to become a lawyer. However, while at college, he purchased a set of drums which changed his career path and eventually his life.
He formed a band with friends from high school called The Musicaladers and he and the band’s manager, Al Rinker, decided they should move to Los Angeles. A famous bandleader, Paul Whiteman, discovered Crosby and Rinker and invited them to join a new group he was forming called The Rhythm Boys. Bing quickly became the star of the group. In 1928, he had his first No. 1 hit with a jazzy version of the Al Jolson song Ol’ Man River. The group experienced jealousy and bickering which led to Bing leaving and setting off for a solo career.
Bing also became a successful actor. His first full-length feature film was “The Bing Broadcast” and he went on to star in over 79 films and topped the bill in 55 of these. In 1944 he won an academy award for his portrayal of the priest in “Going My Way”. His next role as a priest was in “The Bells of St. Mary’s” with Ingrid Bergman. One of his most famous films was “High Society” which co-starred Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. Bing’s record sales made him one of the most popular and successful singers of the 20th century. He recorded “White Christmas” in 1942 and it still remains and extremely popular Christmas song.
Bing was always very interested in horses and was co-owner of the British colt Meadow Court who won the 1965 George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and also won the Irish Derby. At the Irish Derby Bing sang “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” in the winner’s enclosure. Bing was also an avid golfer and died of a heart attack on October 14, 1977 at the age of 73 shortly after he completed eighteen holes of golf.
Throughout his life, Bing Crosby made many visits to Ireland and just loved the country. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage.