Bing Crosby died over thirty years ago, and I remember people saying that at least he died doing something he loved — playing golf. But even though he was a famously avid golfer, as well as a legendary singer and movie star, there was another part of his story that often drew the public's attention. Although largely forgotten these days, during his lifetime (and in the years immediately after) his struggles with fatherhood were common knowledge.
Harry Lillis 'Bing' Crosby was a law school dropout who instead chose to pursue a musical career (as did his brother, bandleader Bob Crosby). It was the time of the early 'jazz age' - the 1920's - and he soon found that the music business suited him just fine. Starting as part of a singing group and appearing with orchestras such as that of Paul Whiteman, he soon began performing as a solo and building his fame via radio and records. By the early 1930's he was also appearing in films, and eventually he became a big star.
Unfortunately, his private life didn't go quite as well. Known as a hard drinker and a hell-raiser in his early days, in 1930 he married actress Dixie Lee and eventually fathered four sons. Gary was the oldest, followed by twins Phllip and Dennis, and the youngest, Lindsay.
Whether it was Bing's own background and temperament, or the natural difficulties often faced by the children of celebrities, the boys had a rough childhood. Although they idolized their father, Bing was often gone — and even when home was distant with them. He was also very strict, and as the boys grew up and began testing their limits - and his patience - he cranked up his level of strictness.
As difficult as life might have been while growing up, in their teen years the boys were further tested by the illness and death of their mother, Dixie. And it probably didn't help when a few years later Bing married young actress Kathryn Grant, who was the same age as his son Gary.
Article comments