American Masters

Bing Crosby Rediscovered

Bing Crosby (1903-1977) was the most popular and influential multi-media star of the first half of the 20th century. For more than three decades, through radio, film, television and records, he reigned supreme. For this new documentary, Crosby’s estate granted American Masters access to the entertainer’s archives, including never-before-seen home movies, Dictabelt recordings, photos and more.

Bing Crosby's Style of Singing

1m 56s

Bing Crosby sang as if he were addressing only one person with his voice. "What Bing created was the art of intimacy," says singer Tony Bennett. Entertainer Michael Feinstein uses the song "Moonlight Becomes You," from the film Road to Morocco to illustrate how Bing would change a song's phrasing and melody to make it more conversational. Bing Crosby Rediscovered premieres Dec. 2 on PBS.

Previews + Extras

  • Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier and Carol Lawrence Perform: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier and Carol Lawrence Perform

    S28 E10 - 4m 44s

    Bing Crosby, French entertainer Maurice Chevalier and musical theater actress Carol Lawrence sing "Riding High" during Crosby's television special in 1961. This film outtake is from American Masters - Bing Crosby Rediscovered, directed by Emmy Award-winning director Robert Trachtenberg.

  • Bing Crosby Sings with the Crosby Boys: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bing Crosby Sings with the Crosby Boys

    S28 E10 - 1m 49s

    Bing Crosby sings the African-American spiritual "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" with three of his sons on his television special in 1960. Crosby's first four sons --- Gary, twins Dennis and Philip, and Lindsay --- created the The Crosby Boys quartet in 1959. This is a web-only full version of the performance, as seen excerpted in American Masters - Bing Crosby Rediscovered.

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