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Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., was an iconic American singer and actor known for his smooth baritone voice and timeless hits like White Christmas. With a career spanning music, film, and radio, Crosby revolutionized the entertainment industry with his recording innovations such as magnetic tape technology.
He won an Academy Award for his role in Going My Way and starred in the beloved “Road to” films with Bob Hope. His estimated net worth of $50 million reflected his success in music royalties, films, and business ventures. A cultural icon, Crosby’s legacy endures as a popular entertainer and pioneer in modern showbiz.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. |
| Birth Date | May 3, 1903 |
| Birthplace | Tacoma, Washington, USA |
| Death Date | October 14, 1977 |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
| Net Worth | $50 million (at the time of death) |
| Profession | Singer, actor, comedian, and entertainer |
| Famous Songs | “White Christmas,” “Swinging on a Star” |
| Notable Films | “Going My Way,” “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” “Road to Singapore” |
| Academy Awards | Won Best Actor for “Going My Way” |
| Recording Innovations | Pioneer of magnetic tape recording and modern sound technology |
| Education | Attended Gonzaga University, received honorary doctorate |
| Spouse(s) | Dixie Lee (m. 1930–1952, her death); Kathryn Grant (m. 1957–1977, his death) |
| Children | 7 (4 with Dixie Lee, 3 with Kathryn Grant) |
| Military Contributions | Entertained troops during WWII, boosting morale with performances and broadcasts |
| Famous Collaborations | Worked with Bob Hope in the “Road to” films, collaborated with Louis Armstrong in music |
| Legacy | Best-selling artist with over 500 million records sold, cultural icon in the 20th century |
| Honors | Inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame |
| Philanthropy | Supported Gonzaga University, multiple charities, and the arts |
| Real Estate Ventures | Owned properties and investments, contributing to his substantial estate |
| Iconic Achievements | “White Christmas” remains the best-selling single of all time according to Guinness World Records |
| Key Nicknames | “Der Bingle,” “The Groaner” |
| Other Ventures | Co-owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates, supported racehorse breeding |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, Bing Crosby grew up in a modest home. Raised in Spokane, Washington, he discovered his love for music at an early age. A Spokane school graduate, Crosby later attended Gonzaga University, initially pursuing a law degree. However, his passion for performing soon led him to abandon his studies and focus on music.
Crosby began his career in the late 1920s with a vocal group called The Rhythm Boys. Their jazz-inspired harmonies caught the public’s attention, but Crosby’s solo career in the 1930s cemented his place as an American singer and actor. His relaxed style, often called crooning, was a fresh take on vocal performance and resonated with audiences everywhere.
Education
Bing Crosby’s education played a pivotal role in shaping his early ambitions. He attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where he initially studied law. Although he left before graduating, his connection to the university remained strong throughout his life. Crosby frequently donated to his alma mater, funding scholarships and educational programs.
In recognition of his contributions, Gonzaga later awarded Crosby an honorary doctorate, celebrating his achievements in both the arts and philanthropy. His journey from a law student to a world-renowned entertainer is a testament to his determination and talent.
Physical Appearances
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, Bing Crosby had a charming, approachable demeanor that made him a favorite among fans. Known for his effortless style, he often wore tailored suits that complemented his laid-back personality. His smooth baritone voice was his most distinctive feature, captivating audiences across generations.
Crosby’s relaxed, confident stage presence added to his appeal. Whether performing in front of a live audience or acting alongside stars like Bob Hope in the Road to films, Crosby’s physical charm and vocal style made him an unforgettable figure in entertainment.
Relationship and Personal Life
Bing Crosby’s personal life was as dynamic as his career. He was married twice, and both relationships shaped his public and private life.
First Marriage
Crosby married Dixie Lee, an actress and singer, in 1930. Their relationship was filled with highs and lows, especially as Dixie battled alcoholism. The couple had four sons, including Gary Crosby, who followed in his father’s footsteps as a singer and actor. Despite their challenges, Crosby and Dixie remained together until her passing in 1952.
Second Marriage
In 1957, Crosby married Kathryn Grant, an actress who brought stability to his later years. They had three children together, and Kathryn supported Crosby through the final stages of his career. Their marriage lasted until Crosby’s death in 1977, following a sudden heart attack after a round of golf.
Bing Crosby Net Worth and Financial Legacy
At the time of his death in 1977, Bing Crosby’s net worth was estimated at $50 million, equivalent to hundreds of millions today. Crosby’s financial success came from multiple sources, including music royalties, film deals, and strategic investments.
How He Built His Wealth
Crosby’s wealth journey started with his music industry success. Songs like White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin, became massive hits. In fact, White Christmas royalties alone generated millions, making it the best-selling single of all time according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
His career in the film industry was equally lucrative. He starred in blockbuster films like Going My Way, for which he won an Academy Award, and the popular Road to films with Bob Hope. These movies were box-office hits that bolstered Crosby’s earnings significantly.
Crosby also made strategic investments, including early support for magnetic tape recording technology through a partnership with Ampex. This innovation revolutionized the recording industry and further added to Crosby’s financial success. Additionally, he held interests in sports ventures, such as co-owning the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing his diverse business acumen.
| Revenue Streams | Details |
| Music Royalties | Over 500 million records sold worldwide, including White Christmas earnings. |
| Film Box Office Hits | Successful movies like Road to Zanzibar and The Bells of St. Mary’s. |
| Innovative Investments | Pioneer of magnetic tape recording, transforming sound recording and broadcasting. |
| Business Ventures | Ownership in the Pittsburgh Pirates and other strategic partnerships. |
Career Achievements and Legacy
Music and Film Success
Bing Crosby recorded over 1,700 songs and starred in more than 70 films. His hit singles, including Swinging on a Star, won prestigious awards like the Academy Award for Best Original Song. In Hollywood, Crosby became the first artist to win an Oscar for acting, earning the honor for Going My Way in 1944.
Innovations and Influence
Crosby’s impact extended beyond performance. His support for recording innovations like magnetic tape paved the way for modern music production. He also starred in some of the first television specials, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
His influence was so significant that stars like Louis Armstrong credited Crosby as a major inspiration. Known affectionately as Der Bingle, he remains a cultural icon whose work shaped the landscape of American entertainment.
Bing Crosby’s WWII Contributions
During WWII, Crosby entertained American soldiers, boosting morale with his performances. His war efforts included singing for troops overseas and supporting the military with broadcasts on NBC and ABC radio networks. His rendition of White Christmas became especially poignant during this era, symbolizing hope and home for many.
Legacy as a Performer
Bing Crosby’s legacy endures through his timeless recordings, groundbreaking work in film, and contributions to audio technology. His name graces venues like the Bing Crosby Theater and the Bing Crosby Stadium, cementing his place in history. Posthumously, his family has continued to manage his estate, ensuring that his music and films remain accessible to new audiences.
FAQ’s
How Much Is Bing Crosby’s Daughter Worth?
Bing Crosby’s daughter, Mary Crosby, is a successful actress best known for her role in “Dallas.” Her estimated net worth is several million dollars, thanks to her acting career and inheritance from the Crosby estate.
What Was Bing Crosby’s Cause of Death?
Bing Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, due to a heart attack. He collapsed on a golf course in Spain shortly after completing a round with friends, a sport he loved passionately.
What Is Crosby’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death, Bing Crosby’s net worth was estimated at fifty million dollars. His wealth came from music royalties, film deals, investments, and innovative contributions to the entertainment industry.
How Successful Was Bing Crosby?
Bing Crosby was one of the most successful entertainers of his time, with a career spanning music, film, and radio. He sold over five hundred million records worldwide, starred in blockbuster films, and influenced recording technology.
Who Inherited Bing Crosby’s Money?
Bing Crosby’s wealth was primarily inherited by his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and their children. His first four sons from his marriage to Dixie Lee also received portions of the estate, ensuring his family benefited from his legacy.
What Was Bob Hope’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2003, Bob Hope’s net worth was estimated at one hundred fifty million dollars. He accumulated his fortune through film, radio, television, and his extensive real estate portfolio.
What Was Jerry Lewis Worth When He Died?
Jerry Lewis had an estimated net worth of fifty million dollars at the time of his passing in 2017. His wealth was built through comedy, acting, directing, and his charitable work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
What Was John Wayne’s Net Worth?
John Wayne had a net worth of approximately seven million dollars at the time of his death in 1979. His fortune came from his successful film career, investments, and ranching ventures.
Who Did Bob Hope Leave His Money To?
Bob Hope left most of his fortune to his family, including his wife Dolores and their children. He also made substantial donations to various charities and institutions that he supported throughout his life.
Which Character Did Bob Hope Marry Twice?
In his films, Bob Hope famously married the character played by Dorothy Lamour twice in the “Road to Bali” and “Road to Utopia” movies, adding humor to their iconic partnership.
How Many Times Did Bob Hope Do the Oscars?
Bob Hope hosted the Academy Awards a record nineteen times, charming audiences with his wit and humor while becoming an integral part of the Oscars’ history.
Did Bob Hope Own Real Estate?
Yes, Bob Hope owned an extensive real estate portfolio, including iconic properties in California and Palm Springs. His investments in prime real estate significantly contributed to his wealth.
Conclusion
Bing Crosby was a legendary American singer and actor whose career redefined 20th-century entertainment. Known for his smooth baritone voice, he became a household name with classics like White Christmas, the best-selling single of all time. Crosby’s contributions to the recording industry, including magnetic tape technology, shaped modern music production.
His acting accolades include an Academy Award for Going My Way, and he starred in iconic “Road to” films alongside Bob Hope. With an estimated net worth of $50 million, Crosby’s wealth came from music royalties, blockbuster films, and investments. A cultural icon, his influence spans music, film, and beyond, solidifying Bing Crosby as a timeless figure in entertainment history.
