Bing Crosby was without doubt the most influential and popular media star in the first half century. Crosby was the undisputed best-selling artist up to the rock era, the most famous radio star of all times, and the biggest box office draw of the 1940s. He dominated the entertainment industry from the Depression through the mid-’50s and proved as influential as his popularity. Crosby was born with radio and his personal bedside manner made it easy to highlight the strengths of a medium that is transmitted directly into the home. Crosby was also assisted by the new microphone technology. Scientists had already perfected the electrically amplified recording process a few months before Crosby released his first record. Crosby’s rich, manly baritone sang contentedly, without any thought of excessive. The music is also important in charting Bing Crosby’s influence. The early jazz music that inspired the singers of the 1910s and 1920s was a great source of his song knowledge and laid-back swing style. Although jazz was not his primary focus, particularly after the 1930s, Crosby incorporated contemporary pop songs with the best songs from a wide variety of material. He also recorded theme-oriented songs by non-specialists, such as Cole Porter’s un-Western “Don’t Fence Me In”. His vast repertoire included show tunes, country music, and film music.
