Bing Crosby

USA, 1926–1977

American singer (1903-1977) and one of the first to sing for the microphone rather than project over a band. The resulting conversational delivery became the basis of crooning.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Bing Crosby and 2 artists Bing Crosby influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Bing Crosby?

• Louis Armstrong — Louis Armstrong was Crosby's musical role model and lifelong friend — Crosby brought Armstrong's jazz phrasing and swing into popular singing.
• Al Jolson — The teenage Crosby was held 'spellbound' by Al Jolson's ad-libbing at a 1917 Spokane show — a delivery he called 'electric'.

Which artists did Bing Crosby influence?

• Frank Sinatra — Bing Crosby was the young Sinatra's idol and model — Crosby's intimate, microphone-based crooning was the art Sinatra set out to master and surpass.
• Ella Fitzgerald — Bing Crosby's relaxed, microphone-era crooning was part of the record collection the young Ella sang along to, shaping her easy, conversational phrasing.