Bing Crosby’s Christmas Legacy.
Bing Crosby’s influence over the Christmas season has been unparalleled, as he helped to popularize many of the songs associated with the time of year. His distinctive voice was heard in countless holiday favorites like “White Christmas” and “Silent Night”, which have since become timeless classics.
Bing Crosby was one of the first to bring jazz and swing into Christmas music, setting himself apart from other crooners. His deep, mellow vocals were found on nearly every Christmas album released between the 1950s and 1970s, which helped keep the spirit of Christmas alive even after Bing left us.
Bing Crosby’s impact on Christmas music is still celebrated today, as his renditions of our favorite holiday tunes become beloved traditions passed down through generations.
White Christmas.
Bing Crosby’s iconic version of “White Christmas” is one of the most successful songs of all time, having experienced continued public acclaim since its 1942 release. Bing’s take on the song was first recorded in May 1941, and three weeks later it made its way to the charts. It quickly rose to popularity and soon topped the charts, remaining there for 11 weeks straight before being knocked down by a Bing Crosby song–yes Bing had two best-selling winter songs!
Of course, Bing wouldn’t be Bing if he didn’t record a few more versions of “White Christmas”, with his count officially raking up eleven versions over his career. Now 81 years after Bing released “White Christmas”, it still stands as an iconic classic enjoyed by all generations during the colder months.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
Bing Crosby’s iconic Christmas song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has been a classic since it was first released in 1943. Not only did Bing Crosby make the original recording of this hit, but his rendition even reached the number-one spot on the U.S. charts in 1945 and stayed there for nine weeks!
Bing Crosby’s voice is so warm and inviting that you can’t help but feel nostalgia at hearing it, as though you are being wrapped up in a Christmas hug from friends and family that can’t always be near over the festive season.
Decades later and still not one radio station will forget to play Bing Crosby’s timeless hit over the holiday season, proving its timeless popularity.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.
It’s hard to deny the cultural impact of Bing Crosby’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”. First released in 1951, it quickly climbed its way up the charts and became extremely popular during the holiday season.
Bing Crosby was often credited with creating a soundtrack for Christmas, setting the joyous and festive tone that remains with us to this day. His version, which is still played by speakers all around the world today, has secured its place as one of the most beloved Christmas songs across generations.
As Bing sang “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go” it forever etched its catchy melody into our hearts, making it one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable Christmas anthems.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.
The classic Christmas song ‘Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy’ has charmed people for generations since its debut in 1951, when Bing Crosby sang it on a radio program. Bing recorded the song again in 1977 with David Bowie, making it an instant hit.
It has become a staple of holiday music, and through the years there have been many different renditions recorded by timeless artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and John Denver. The combination of Bing’s smooth voice with the playful melody of the little drummer boy is an iconic part of Christmas nostalgia, making it loved all around the world.
Silent Night.
Silent Night is one of the most beloved and successful Christmas carols ever written. Written in1818 by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr, its sheer beauty, simplicity, and ability to make people feel the spirit of the holiday season have earned it worldwide success throughout the generations since it was first debuted.
Notable among its fans is Bing Crosby, who recorded a version with dubbed accompaniment in 1935 that immediately topped the charts and ran through several pressings becoming Bing’s longest-running single at that time.
That same year Silent Night was even featured as part of Bing Crosby’s groundbreaking NBC radio show The Kraft Music Hall, bringing its fame to a whole new level. Truly, such initial enthusiasm set off a chain reaction that propelled it into a household favorite that has stood uncontested through the years.
Conclusion.
Bing Crosby is a Christmas music legend. His voice and renditions of classic carols have been enjoyed by people all around the world for generations. Not only did Bing Crosby make some of the most popular Christmas songs ever, but his versions continue to be played by radio stations every holiday season.
Through the years, there have been many different recordings of Bing’s music, but they all remain timeless classics that capture the essence of Christmas nostalgia.
We hope you enjoy these classic tunes as much as we do!
Sources: THX News, Wikipedia & Biography.com.