We have a collection of 2 arrangements for Bing Crosby - White Christmas
Bing Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas" is one of the most iconic and beloved holiday songs of all time. Here are some interesting facts about Bing Crosby and his famous recording of "White Christmas":
Record-Breaking Sales: Bing Crosby's version of "White Christmas" has sold over 50 million copies, making it the best-selling single of all time. This classic holiday tune has also topped the charts multiple times, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Debut in "Holiday Inn": Crosby first performed "White Christmas" in the 1942 movie "Holiday Inn," where he played the character Jim Hardy. The song was an instant hit and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Irving Berlin's Creation: The song was written by legendary composer Irving Berlin. He composed it poolside in sunny California, which was quite a contrast to the wintery imagery and sentiment of the song. Berlin reportedly told his secretary, "I just wrote the best song I've ever written. Heck, I just wrote the best song that anybody's ever written!"
Unplanned Recording: Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" was somewhat unplanned. He recorded it on May 29, 1942, in just 18 minutes. The song was initially intended for another movie, "The Bells of St. Mary's," but it was released as a single and became a massive hit.
Cultural Impact: "White Christmas" has had a profound cultural impact, becoming synonymous with the holiday season. The song has been covered by countless artists and featured in numerous films and TV shows. Its lyrics evoke nostalgia and a longing for a traditional, snow-covered Christmas.
Radio Broadcasts: Bing Crosby's radio show, "The Kraft Music Hall," played a significant role in popularizing "White Christmas." He performed the song on his show multiple times, further cementing its place in American holiday traditions.
Technological Advancements: Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" also played a role in the development of audio technology. The original recording was made using a technique called "microphone looping," where a master recording was cut onto a disc, and copies were made from it. This helped improve the quality of sound recordings.
Movie Adaptations: The success of "Holiday Inn" led to the 1954 film adaptation titled "White Christmas," starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The movie featured a reprise of the famous song, solidifying its association with the holiday season.
Charity Work: Bing Crosby donated much of the royalties from "White Christmas" to various charities throughout his lifetime, making the song not only a musical masterpiece but also a force for good.
Bing Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas" continues to bring joy and warmth to people's hearts during the holiday season, making it an enduring symbol of Christmas around the world.