Bing Crosby: Day by Day [Hardcover]

Malcolm Macfarlane (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810841452 | ISBN-13: 978-0810841451 | Publication Date: December 2001

During his lifetime, Bing Crosby was one of the most loved entertainers of the twentieth century. He made his name as a singer with a distinctive and innovative style, which helped to transform the musical scene of the early thirties. Radio and films brought him national prominence, and then as his film career developed, he achieved world-wide renown through his portrayal of Father O'Malley and through the hilarious Road films he made with Bob Hope.

This book details his life, almost on a daily basis, and, with the aid of many contemporary reviews, produces a fascinating account of one of the most important show business figures of the twentieth century. Through Bing and his interaction with most of the stars of the time, one can virtually trace the history of show business. A discography, a fact file and a large index, which picks up many other show biz icons, supplements what will be a indispensable reference book, not only for those interested in Crosby but anyone researching other stars of the period.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...the most comprehensive look at Bing Crosby's activities, literally on a 'day by day' basis from his birth in 1903 to his death in 1977, that has ever been published. Malcolm Macfarlane, in what obviously was a labor of love, has painstakingly uncovered every bit of information on Bing's life that he could find. His attention to detail is impeccable...To be sure, this is a book the whole family can enjoy. (Bing Magazine )

More useful than a conventional biography, or any other book on Crosby...Bing Crosby: Day By Day follows his life and career with more detail than it has ever been provided in a single source. (Big Reel )

This is a welcome addition to the Crosby library....a book you won't be able to put down. There is an incredible amount of data within the covers and Malcolm Macfarlane has clearly laboured long and hard to produce this admirable piece of scholarship...a virtual history of the American popular music scene....essential reading for everyone with an interest in popular music of the Twentieth Century. (In Tune International )

About the Author

Malcolm Macfarlane is editor of BING Magazine, which is “dedicated to the life and times of the incomparable Bing Crosby” and published by the International Crosby Circle.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 840 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810841452
• ISBN-13: 978-0810841451
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,613,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( C ) > Crosby, Bing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE definitive reference guide to the life & times of Bing!, January 18, 2002

By 

Greg Van Beek "co-editor, BING magazine, publ... (West Bend, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bing Crosby: Day by Day (Hardcover)

Without a doubt, this is the most comprehensive look at Bing Crosby's activities, literally on a "day by day" basis from his birth in 1903 to his death in 1977, that has ever been published. Malcolm Macfarlane, in what obviously was a labor of love, has painstakingly uncovered every bit of information on Bing's life that he could find. His attention to detail is
impeccable.

To enhance the coverage of Bing's films, radio/TV, and stage performances, Malcolm utilizes countless reviews and press cuttings from various publications. The "show biz Bible", VARIETY, is often quoted, providing a time capsule effect to Bing's life and times. These reviews are, in essence, the history of show business for over half a century, further adding to the appeal of the book.

Indeed this is a book not only devoted (and casual) fans of Bing will treasure, but also those doing research on virtually any other performer of his era. Bing's path crossed with most of them, a fact proven by the extraordinarily detailed index.

Malcolm has also provided the reader with a "fact file", citing milestones of Bing's life. His forty top hit recordings, gold records, feature films, careers in radio and TV are all covered in a general manner. A discography is also provided, listing only the song titles and dates recorded, from 1926-77. Rejected and alternate takes have been omitted.

The only minor disappointment, and it entirely rests with the publisher, is the lack of illustrations to accompany the entries. As it stands, Scarecrow Press devoted a mere 16 pages out of over 800 total to photos. But don't let that deter you from purchasing this fabulous book.

To be sure, this is a book the whole family can enjoy. I, for one, found it amusing to look up milestone dates in members of my family's lives, to see what activities Bing was involved with on those days.

The book carries with it a rather hefty price tag, but make no fuss about it, you're getting a lot for your money.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Casual? Think again!, February 27, 2004

By 

Ramona (Syracuse, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bing Crosby: Day by Day (Hardcover)

What a book! For the casual history buff, it's a detailed look at America (and much of the world) from 1903 to 1977. You cannot read this book and think that Bing was 'lazy' or 'sloppy' or 'lucky' - he worked hard, he planned, he gave generously of his time and talents to the world during some of its darkest days. This is a perfect book to purchase and donate to a school or a library if you're able to - a valuable resource, well written and meticulously researched!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! A treasure trove, July 4, 2003

By 

Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bing Crosby: Day by Day (Hardcover)

Yes, this book carries a hefty price tag and its paltry number of illustrations grates a bit on the nerves. But the content within the covers is absolutely amazing. Any serious fan of Bing will beg, borrow or possibly steal this tome because it's fasincating and detailed.

Do you want to know where Bing was or what he was doing on May 12, 1941? Easy, just flip to the entry for that date. The littlest bit of trivia is included and it makes for sometimes amusing reading. Bing caught four fish on this date in 1956, he played 36 holes of golf at the Bel Air Country Club on this date in 1942... it's all here. It's incredible to realize how multi-faceted Bing was and what a full life he led, truly something to be envied.

Rounding out the book is a complete discography and an index which is complete and easy to follow. This is a "must have" for anyone seriously interested in the career of this laid-back, phlegmatic legend. I highly recommend this beautiful volume.