Search - Bing Crosby :: Essential Bing Crosby

Birth of a legend

Edgar Olivares | New York City, NY USA | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The tracks on this album were recorded between 1931 and 1934, when Der Bingle was on a label called Brunswick. Times were simpler then and as this collection demonstrates, so was the music. Jazz and swing were all the rage back then. He was a menber of the Rhythm Boys in the late 20's before going solo.
Backed by such musicians as The Mills Brothers (on "Dinah"), Lennie Hayton, Jimmy Grier, Guy Lombardo and Eddie Lang he could seemingly do it all-from tender ballads to upbeat scatting. He was indeed the first media superstar paving the way for other entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His mellifluous voice combined with his ability to sing various styles has without a doubt etched him permanently in pop culture.
He would move on to other labels as well as becoming a successful actor("White Christmas" was still a decade away). While it's true that most of his songs sound a little tame compared to today's music, today's pop stars probably wouldn't be where they are now if it weren't for this pipe-smoking crooner.Just an afterthought: picture a 78 rpm record spinning while hearing this album and you'll be in the right mood."

Great early Bing!

Candace Scott | Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA | 04/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great introduction for those who don't have other Crosby CD's in your collection. It contains his standard early hits which have been recycled time and again on other anthologies. Most Bing-ologists will have all these songs in their collection, some of them many times over. But if you are new to Bing, this is an acceptable choice and the sound quality is very good. There are some stellar songs included as well, like one of personal favorites, "Temptation..." it's safe to say no one ever sang like this before the advent of Crosby.Hopefully this collection will convince you that Bing's vocal mastery was unparalled. Then you can sample his earlier, jazz-influenced work during his Columbia years in the early 30's and branch off into his 20's work with the Rhythm Boys. But for the beginning Crosby listener, this is as good a choice as any."