Bing Crosby Biography

Fast Facts

• Was given the nickname "Bing" after the title character of his favorite comic strip, The Bingville Bugle
• Bought a set of mail-order drums and joined the band Musicaladers while in college
• Dropped out of college two months shy of earning a law degree to pursue a career in show business
• Made his screen debut as a band leader in 1930's King of Jazz
• Appeared in seven "Road" films, the first being The Road to Singapore, with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour
• Recorded one of the best-selling records of all time with Irving Berlin's "White Christmas
• " Was part-owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates for many years and even had a cameo in 1951's Angels in the Outfield, which centered on the struggling team
• Had just finished 18 rounds of golf when he suffered a fatal heart attack