Did you know that Spokane was Bing Crosby’s hometown? He was born in 1903 in Tacoma; his father got a job in Spokane in 1906 and moved the family across the state. Bing attended school right through Gonzaga University here and got his early “movie” start in school plays and local musical groups. Born Harry Lillis Crosby, he became Bing in 1910 when he loved the character Bingo in the comic Bingsville Bugle. After graduating, he left for Hollywood in 1925….. and the rest (as they say) is history.
He was more famous in his day than Elvis, the Beatles or Michael Jackson were in their day. Bing chalked up 38 number one hits; he charted 396 records; he earned 22 gold records (when a record sells a million copies); he recorded over 2000 songs……. all more than the rest. And he was in 104 films!
His nephew, Howard Crosby, came to the Bing Crosby Family History Day sponsored by Gonzaga and the Washington State Heritage Commission, and told stories about his famous uncle for 45 minutes. He knew his uncle well as they were avid golfing partners for years.
My local genealogical society was a small partner in this event and we had an information table, but about 40 members attended and all were surely glad they did.
One thing Howard said about his Uncle Bing was relating a quote from Dean Martin that “his peers admired him and aspired to him.” How many singers or actors deserve that today??