Bing Crosby - Just a Gigolo (Casucci), 1931

[01alessandroros85]

It's an italian song written by an old pianist man who lived@worked in the sea.he did not registered this song that's why no one knows him.As far as I know,he wrote"gigolo"1night when his ship docked at the port(I don't know if it was in Naples or Genoa)@then played with his pianoforte.then,people heard him playing during the journey.it was this amercan singer who registered the song for the first time and then later,Leonello Casucci.. and the rest is history..

[Miauriceful]

@01alessandroros85

First record was in german "Schoner Gigolò" in the 1929, the italian version was recorded some week later.

[LordFearsage]

I heard Prima's version years ago, but it is nothing compared to this li'l piece of art, thanks for the post.

[Jefferson1942]

Louis Prima couldn't fucking sing. He sped up and put many 'Great American SONGBOOK' Classics to shame.

[invalid937]

@Jefferson1942 Man, I wouldn't agree with that. I think Louis Prima was good in his own right as a swing artist. And I think he was a good entertainer. His versions of "When You're Smiling" and "Jump Jive and Wail" are classics. There are also other good songs like "Fee Fie Foo", "Felicia No Capicia", and I think his version of "Basin Street Blues" is pretty good. Like I said, he was a swing artist so naturally he would speed up some of his songs, but not all of them were of a fast tempo.

[crobarus]

Boring as hell. Louis Prima destroys Bing. And Louis Prima didn't abuse his wife .

Bing sucks

[JudgeJulieLit]

@crobarus "Boring"? Bing sings "Gigolo" with pure lyric sincerity, a cri de coeur neither over nor underplayed, so we feel the pathos of the character as written, a post-WW1 "Lost Generation" ex-hero. Unlike Jolsen's hyped, and David Lee Roth's that plays the character glibly as comic self satire. If you find deep truths boring, you know nothing of art, friend. And we may rue an artist's private behavior, but their art is a separate/separable realm potentially eternal and universal.

[LazlosPlane]

@JudgeJulieLit Well said! Bravo. But crobarus will not "get it." He will never, "get it." He is doomed.

However, I disagree with you about Jolson. Or rather, what do you mean by "hyped."? Jolson was the most magnetic, thrilling, galvanizing stage persona in the history of Broadway. As a entertainer he was second to none. Read his reviews and what his peers had to say about him and his presence. Words fail. So, what, exactly do you mean by "hyped?"

[LazlosPlane]

@crobarus Wow! A genuine moron! Wow!

[manfa57]

Not Bothered what any one says I love it xxx <3 xxx PS

[Mom1910]

Meant to say his voice and personality are irreplaceable ,and we will never go on thanks to his musical,and movie legacy. Bing's version of this song proves my point.

[Mom1910]

When Bing sings the line.....as life goes on without me...it breaks my heart.His voice and personality are will always be with us.

[shane69999]

@Mom1910

speak for yourself

[Osocooltwo]

Absolutely perfect in every way !!!

[SafiraSephir]

I only knew the new version, I think made by David Lee Roth, but I can say that I really prefer this!

[SafiraSephir]

I only knew the new version, I think made by Van Halen, but I can say that I really prefer this!

[roadium]

What about Jolson?

[timmyd61109]

I was gonna say the same. Jolson used a lot of costume and he really needed it. Not a good looking man, lol. Bing could do it all sing, dance, act, comedy

[LazlosPlane]

@timmyd61109 You are mistaken about Jolson. Jolson USED a costume as it better suited his unique talent, which was predominantly a COMEDIAN than singer during his Broadway career. He was a harlequin type, troublemaker, devilish imp, extremely funny - add that powerful and expressive voice to it -- you've got "the world's greatest entertainer." Bing's voice was/is more beautiful and pure, and Sinatra also,. But Jolson was a stage persona unlike anyone has seen before or since.

[errolfan]

Until I heard this recording, a few years back, I had only been familiar with Crosby's later work. This early stuff is magic.

[JudgeJulieLit]

Especially in his sonorous tremolo crooning youth, Bing Crosby excelled at singing sentimental pathos and really delivering its subtleties -- as here, and in "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" Later, elder, he just did cool (as, jazz) and casual, distantly recalled emotion, more art.

[gwatson678]

Who cares about what he did or didn't do.... He was a great singer.... I could give a f**k about the rest.  RIP Bing.. you were one of the best.

[maureeno8]

bada bing, he still got it.

[Jangocat]

Younger people don't realize but Bing was an absolute rock star from the 30's-70's. Look at his wiki, he is one of the most successful artists in history. My grandfather saw Bing in the 1930's and always loved him. He turned me onto this incredible singer, what a voice...

[manfa57]

A ++++++++++++++++++

[videogarp]

Oh yeah!

[weirdunclebob]

Thanks for posting. Nicely sung, Bing! This is the only original version I've found on You Tube so far. I like the Louis Prima medley with "I Ain't Got Nobody" but I wanted to hear them separately for once! Cheers.

[GoldenstoneGraves]

Amazing.

[UranusRising]

LOL @ "Unknown Gigolo"

[yitzchak13]

i didn't know bill cosby sang

[mvnkct]

The best version I've heard of this great old song. Most don't include the verse, which really gives it more meaning. Beautiful recording. This should be included in a movie about a gigolo working in a dance hall after the "great war" in 1919. The setting and clothes and music should be AUTHENTIC and not rock and roll. Tommy

[exe116]

And I thought David lee Roth came up with this one

[manfa57]

@exe116

He loved the verses x

I like Lois Premers version too x

[CarlDuke]

Great emotional version of this song. Why a fine talent like Helmut Lotti chose to do a cover of the idiot Louis Prima version of this song instead of this one, is a real puzzler.

[colinwells4]

Yeah Fabulous voice and a great personality which shoots through the years like an exocet missile. His personal life should be disregarded. Personally;i would have loved to go to a bar and have had a good drink with him!

[johnohconnor]

Crosbt at his best Song has magnificent words and meaning. Tks

[bluesfreund]

we love that guy&his music :-)))

[Rudipolt]

Fine Song Bing-You and Marlene are the Best!

Thanks for posting!

Aloha from Hawaii!

[DK3CHAMP]

Wow, this song is even older than I thought. The old saying is that the world's oldest profession is prostitution, maybe the world's oldest song is I'm just a gigolo!:)

[Gennady15]

просто потрясает

[enricolepera]

There is a beautiful version by Max Raabe and Palast Orchester, in German.

It was a nice surprise at the end, to find out that this song was originally an Italian song.

Of course...

[04279]

@enricolepera Actually, it's not an italian song, it's an austrian song in german. It's called "Schöner Gigolo, Armer Gigolo" and was performed by the tenor Richard Tauber in 1929. OK, the composer Leonello Casucci is from Italy but it was made for an austrian artist. The lyrics, written by Julius Brammer in german.

[Atomicflash500]

@04279 wrong

[04279]

@Atomicflash500 What do you mean "wrong"? The first official performance of the song with lyrics was recorded by Richard Tauber.

[Calatafimi]

@enricolepera

Forza Italia amico ! :D

[enricolepera]

It was composed by the Italian Leonello Casucci, with the Italian lyrics by the singer Daniele Serra who used to perform it on cruise boats.Then it was heard by Julius Brammer who created the German version. The English lyrics were written by Irving Caesar. I heard it the first time from David Lee Roth, then I track back all his history.

[Angelotvkool]

who made this song... there is many singers.

[jagacom]

beggining (intro) sounds like tango, i´am from buenos aires, i am a drummer, i know tango. Las Grandes orquestas de TAngo eran en esasepocaslas mejores que hubo

[ctmale1956]

When I was a young child, I would sit on my father's lap and we would sing this song and many other old songs together. Oh how I miss my parents......

[9TheMajor]

Impossible fot ANYTHING to be more romantic than this

[ossuDodnaloR]

Is this a tango?

[cowboyfimbop]

No this isnt tango. Sonds quite like a vals more than tango. :)

[Hunterunc]

Thanks for posting this. I had never heard the opening verse, it conveys more meaning to the song, but no one ever sings it anymore.

[happytalk94]

a tearful song by the best voice ever. god bless this man

[jh8856]

No arguments really from 1926 to 1938 Crosby was the greatest singer anywhere.

[senorsquiid]

@jh8856 What about Mark Lucas?

[ctmale1956]

@jh8856 RIGHT --- his 1950 and later stuff was not good compaired to the 1920's - 1930's......He had such a beuatiful voice and we are all blessed to have his recordings.

[ioet]

@jh8856 Al Bowly was at least just as good!

[patthecatman]

@ioet al bowlly?????no comparison w/bingo. bing sang like a man would LIKE to sound, in the bathroom. bowlly? he sounded like a woman singing in the bathroom.

[Griffx52]

@jh8856 No Arguments he was the WHOLE TIME!

[closedcircle1]

@jh8856 I tend to think his best recordings were done by 1934.

[Superphilipp]

@jh8856 Why, what happened in 1938?

[spinc3]

to clear the air....I'm stating that (in my opinion) the 30's and forty's were Bing Crosby best years....Make Believe and Old man River were fantastic improvisations .........I believe Frank Sinatra then came into his own as Bing slowed down and his voice lowered......Overall, Bing was incomparable....mho

[larryfeltonj]

@spinc3 Crosby was a great crooner over his whole life, but the early stuff was definitely the best. It first 33 rpm album I ever owned was a Crosby LP which included "Play a Simple Melody" and "Where the Blue of the Night". Not classic stuff, but it was great pop music.

[happytalk94]

early bing crosby was the ultimate best. the backing on this is mournful, beautiful

[cuddlebuttons]

i think this Vs is TOPS! bing has a beautiful voice, and that can't be denied!

[fozmubi]

David Lee Roth's version was extraordinary. Lou Bega's was exciting. Louis Prima's was somewhat boring. Bing Crosby's version was dreadful, even worse than Irene Bordini

[Anus2Mouth]

Ted Lewis is the original and by far the best. David Lee Roth is a poseur compared to Ted Lewis.

[Jemmer1000]

fozmubi, I think you don't quite get it.

Crosby here is singing the song straight, about a WWI vet who is reduced to being paid to be a gigolo to rich older women.

Louis Prima turned it into a tongue in cheek farce sung by someone who is obviously popular and has a caring partner.

DLR took Prima's version over the top, turning it into a hilarious self-referential comment on his own stardom.

Fascinating to see how this song evolved during the last century from sadness to hilarity.

[fozmubi]

Thanks for the synopsis. I am fascinated with the quirky history of this song. I know I am a minority on this page (sorry Crosby fans) but I LOVE both the Bega and Roth versions. Yeah, yeah, I know, it's not "musically correct" to love them. But I'm convinced that music "connoisseurs" greatly undervalue both performances. Take a moment with an open mind and view both versions on their own terms. And forget the fact that Mr. Roth is personally a complete jerk. That I think we ALL can agree on!

[FreiKonigsberg]

May I say that you are a f*cking idiot and that david lee roth and lou bega suck ass. Hearing is a gift son, don't waste it listening to trash....

[fozmubi]

FreiKonigberg

You're not too bright; my point went over your head. My point was that this rendition was not Bing's best, it was rather plodding & misses the charm of Bing's best work. I agree with Jemmer1000 synopsis of the song's fascinating history.

I'm obviously in the minority on these postings but I find the remarkable evolution of the song amazing. And yes, Bega & Roth's versions are in my quirky opinion extraordinary works in their own right - insanely infectious & vocally amazing!

[FreiKonigsberg]

fozmubi, You say that I am not too bright, yet it is you that is listening to image based, manufactured pop music. Lou bega received a record deal and got "music" promoted because he fits the multi-cultural image that the media, record companies and government promotes. DLR got his exposure because, well because of hmmm Roth..

[fozmubi]

FK,

LIke I told Jemmer1000, I'm in the minority on these Bing video comments. But like you, I also HATE junk pop music. It's just in my own humble & quirky opinion that both Bega and Roth have remarkable renditions on their own terms, done in their own style: tongue-in-cheek, high-energy, silly and pop-infectious. There's terrible Pop and virtuouso Pop. I challenge you to view either version with an open mind and not find them infectious

BTW, sorry for the name call, I was volleying yours

[FreiKonigsberg]

I think AIDS is infectious, should I open my mind to AIDS?

No offense on the name calling, part of the game =)

[fozmubi]

you ARE an idiot

[FreiKonigsberg]

Am I an idiot for showing you how illogical your "logic" is?

[youdonthavealltheans]

Crosby fans are erudite and sensitive! God bless us all.

[musictranscription]

Do you want me to transcribe it?

[pkneeno]

Great post. The Louis Prima 2 song medley definitely transforms this sad song into a much more upbeat sound. Prima does the same thing with the other half of the medley, "I ain't got nobody". This is an excellent, a little lachrymose effort... still a great post. Great early Crosby

[ginotodesco]

Originally this is a german song called "Schöner Gigolo, armer Gigolo" It has been written after the first world war. A Gigolo used to be a paid dancer in German Tea Rooms because there where not many men left after the war and women used to hire them for a dance. The few soldier who came home from war didn't have many jobs left. Some of them ended as sung in the original lyrics as beautiful but poor ... Gigolo!

Gino

[ivanbion]

Wow, thanks for this information. Very interesting!!!

[stybboon]

you are right, its a sad history ... but they dont got only paied for dancing :)

[ginotodesco]

Wow! My great-grandmother never told me that! ;-)

[beltuna9]

The best versions of this song were sung by women and in French: Damia and Sylva Berthe. Bing's is close to the original sentiment though, that of someone sad yet not particularly regretful.

[TonyGerace25]

bing crosby is he the origanal singer to this song or is it like new age everyone sings everyone elses stuff

[skromt]

The Louis Prima version is a cheap cover at best. A showtune version of a true classic!

[brok328]

The Louis Prima (and Dave Lee Roth) version is really a different song, or to be more precise, songs. This version sung by Bing is "Just a Gigalo". Someone combined this song with another classic "I aint got nobody", to make the hybrid version sung by LP and DLR and many others. Personally I like them all, though this version definitely gets over the sad theme of this part of the song/hybrid.

[pkneeno]

Good point. There are some medleys that become standards. Jackson Browne's Loadout and Iz K.'s ukulele cover of Somewhere over the Rainbow come to mind. I love the graphic on this post. This is a sad song. Nice post.

[12stringsforme]

Then the David Lee Roth version is a cheap copy of a cheap copy?!

[ginotodesco]

Not exactly. David Lee Roth is indeed a "cheap copy" of a great version. The original Louis Prima version was arranged by the outstanding sax player Sam Butera. The arranger of David Lee Roth just copied it 1:1 and copyrighted it for himself. Sadly Sam Butera never got a dime for his brilliant arrangement. So that was really cheap Mr. Roth! Sam passed away on June 2009.

[12stringsforme]

That's a really sad story. I can't believe DLR put his own name to the copyright!! Wasn't he rich enough selling VH albums??

[cyclone259]

It's definitely Bing Crosby. My grandmother had a (much later re-issue) of the original record. Of course I was only familiar with David Lee Roth's version. Not to worry, Bing's is much better and while there's nothing wrong w/ Roth's novel approach (and especially introducing a classic to a younger audience), nothing replaces the original.

[Teupupaschere]

This is not he original. It's a cover of Louis Prima.

It's the best version of the 3 though.

[octomonkey1980]

No sir, Louis Prima didn't record this till about 25 years later.

[DENISMURRELL]

Come on! This was recorded in 1931! Louis Prima made his in the 60's. A different era.

[bobbobato]

Why did music of that era have such an obsession with gigolos? I don't think modern music mentions them nearly as much as they did.

[AssortedStuff]

Recently I came across this music (sung by Louis Prima) and I had to know a bit more about it.

Through the magic of Youtube cross referencing I ended here. And I must say I was surprised. Being used to the cheerful versions of Prima and David Lee Roth I found this version sad and melancholic. Just the right mood, if one listens to the the lyrics.

I also love his pronunciation of the word Gigolo, as he doesn't had a "D" at the beginning.

[musictranscription]

I'm getting this sheet music

[jazzgirl1920s]

One of my favorite Crosby recordings is from about this time. It is from a radio braodcast with Gus Arnheim's Orchestra. It is "Out of Nowhere". I like it because Bing starts ad libbing with the lyrics to the tune and jokes with the audience. I like when he sings "See you at the track" probably referring to the Santa Anita race track. He must have liked horse racing because later he was part owner of a race track. Thanks for this early recording of Bing.

[54spiritedwill54]

Finest melancholic singing and playing.

[irishprice]

are we sure this is crosby? i dont think it is..

?

[joshmallon]

its early Crosby, his voice changed a bit after the pollops (spelling?) in his throat cleared up.

[01alexbanks]

That makes sense, I didn't realise Bing had throat trouble, as did Sinatra who also came back with a more individual style and a different timbre as well. Bing sounds a bit like Al Jolson in this I think.

[LazlosPlane]

It ain't Kate Smith, pal.

[enadizenideniz]

Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra are one of my favorites

i love this song :)))))

[TheOtherPrince]

One of my Mother's long-remembered songs. I worry.

[TheOtherPrince]

Roger Vadim, about 6 months before he died, boasted at Cannes that when he divorced his wives, it was cheap and easy, his having previously been at pains to show their bodies off to such financial advantage that he was able to screw them all over again, for a settlement.

Just a gigolo.

[somanykids]

It's not just celebrities that are better parents the second time around. My dad was absent for most of my childhood (golf, baseball, bars) in the 1960-70's. Now he's a very involved grandfather. His dad was the same. Fatherhood meant something different to men of that generation. Bing had an amazing talent...as a father he was probably no better or worse than anyone else.

[53rdtird]

I seen a dude with these lyrics engraved on his tombstone, lol

[AmadeusBend]

Check Out VIDEO "BOKITATKO GIGOLO "

AND COMENT PLEASE !!!!!!!!

[spinc3]

the greatest singer that ever lived.....an acclaimed actor...beutiful women adored him..his natural way of speaking with a great instantaneous sense of humor....adored around the world...the troops voted him their favorite.....what homelife could a mere mortal have..he wasn't mortal...

[pkneeno]

What is the Casucci ref? Composer? Great post, montage.

[mhasy1965]

Don't believe everything you hear about celebrities. There have been books written bashing not only Crosby, but Sinatra, and John Lennon as well, none of them are here to answer back, so it is an act of cowardice to say such things, when you weren't there, and don't know firsthand. Rumors are just gossip and hearsay,if you repeat something enough, there are those who believe it no matter what.

[ToddCMorgan]

I wish people would separate the man's work in music from his personal life!

[kassandrasduplex]

You know the masses hate it when someone reveals the truth about their icons. Bing Crosby had a profound impact on American singing. His voice and recorded legacy is a joy to hear. But the sad fact is he brutalized his first family and drove his wife deep into alcoholism. I do believe that 3of his 4 boys committed suicide. It is only just to recognize the entire man and ask yourself, "Was the price in suffering paid by his family worth some casual enjoyment of the music consuming public?"

[PrincessKate365]

my dad used 2 sing this 2 me at 5 yrs old.he sounded like crosby.i love and miss you dad

[pako1368895]

esta con madre esa rola

[CarlDuke]

Definitive version of this song. Louis Prima butchered this song and Helmut Lotti should be ashamed for copying that version instead of this one.

[64102256]

And I do not believe half of what is said of Crosby. Something does not make sense. A louzy father and than a great father to his second set of children. I still think his wife (the first one) had a lot to do with it. And it does not take away from his beautiful voice.

[kassandrasduplex]

Take it from me, the Second Chance Celebrity Dads are very often monstrous to their first families. This is common knowledge in Hollywood. A once prominent CBS TV newsman had a family very similar to Crosby's. The price of celebrity is very often human suffering. See Mommy Dearest for a good primer. One thing you learn quickly growing up in Hollywood, as I did, the public face is almost always diametrically opposed to the private one. And convincing common folks of this is very hard to do.

[jcpelly]

@64102256 No one will remember him for these things, for only his music will withstand the test of time.

[tweetybird1937]

What thisman did in his private life is

private

no one will be as good an entertainer

as BING. One thing has nothing to do with the other

Like FRANK was such a good father

[Corrie121]

I will not pass judgement on his (perceived) character, but my judgement of his singing talents is not in doubt. He was amazing.

Thank you for your postings.

[kassandrasduplex]

What a fine singer and what a monstrous man. How many of his sons committed suicide, two? three? He made their lives literally unlivable. That's what a monster he was. Take it from me...famous, prominent men can be very awful to their sons.

[64102256]

Maybe if his wife had not been a drunk things might have been different. He loved his sons and tried to make them strong but they were weak. He had no problems with his second wife and kids because he had a good wife who helped him understand.

[kassandrasduplex]

I have a more than passing interest in the outcome of Crosby's boys for my father was a moderate celeb and he was an absoluite tyrant to his first family. My mother entered their marriage dry teetotaler and left it alcoholic 18 years later. First time mega celeb Dads can be brutal monsters of the first magnitude.Crosby's sons were beaten into weakness and suicide, not the other way round. Crosby's talent is forever linked to his abysmal treatment of his sons. Dean Martin is a contrary example.

[happytalk94]

it takes two to tango.if both are doing a different dance in life.problems arise.unity is strength.Amen

[forsythia77]

Too bad Mr. Crosby is not here to defend himself against comments like these. Too bad he apparently does not deserve to have his family life remain private. He gave us his beautiful singing voice, can't we give him the courtesy of not passing judgment, when we don't and never will know the whole story?

[kassandrasduplex]

Child abuse resulting in suicide should NEVER remain private. Get a clue! And get over your naive infatuation with Der Bingle.

[forsythia77]

Again, we don't know the full story.

[PrincessKate365]

great point

[kia1944]

this version is quite pretty i got to say! but not the best to my ears . satchmo's one is really the most fabulous one according to me.this one is a little bit too "oldies"

[xilpix]

This version is close to the Italian. It has two strophes that the German hasn't. Usually all sing only the refrain.

[78timothy]

Released in 1931? I have never seen this in the Crosby catalogue. What Label is this on? It is great! The Verse of course sells the Song."If You Admire Me,...then Hire me." WOW. :-)

[benejm]

Thanks 240253 for your suggestion and I checked it out but I still think Bing is better by far than all the others and I am not really a Bing Crosby fan at all, I just think he does justice to this great song.

As I said I wish Al Bowlly had done a version as he put so much feeling into his songs, what a shame he died so young

[bowllyfan]

certainly the best version of this song I wish Al Bowlly had done it as well

[fedtrooper]

I have never heard before the opening sad verses about the medalled soldier from the Great War. And Bing also c. '31 did Brother Can You Spare a Dime? so, he recorded 2 of the classic sad songs of the postWWI era. (And at the beginning of his career.)

[64102256]

I always loved how Bing sang this song and really all songs. But I loved this one and Pennies From Heaven. the most.

Thanks for posting.

[spinc3]

there are no words to tell the voice of bing is supernatural...he was ,in a way,supernatural...

pennies from heaven, so do I, auf weidersein...I still get goosebumps listening to his early recordings..(I'm in my 70's) been listening a long, long time...

[recurvebows]

great song, great singing. nice to see here somebody who saw and understands something of the past.

[happytalk94]

my friend i am 72. i am mesmerized by all the fine singers i am now enjoying on youtube.i want to live forever.i have recently discovered Russ Columbo (heavenly) Jerry Vale (outstanding) Ted Lewis Band (exciting) Early Bing had a charismatic vibrancy in his voice, quite rare even now. But it worked for Bing and his many fans.I appreciate and respect class.I am in the World Wide Club of Gentlemen and avid listeners to fine singers and good music.Youtube have created a New Dawn.Live & enjoy life.

[aantonella68]

So charming :o)

[GigMomm]

I offer my deepest apologies at the error in his wife's name in my posts. At the time that we would provide entertainment at parties at the Hillsbororo home, he was clearly with his second wife as his first was long dead. I never met his first wife and my only encounters with them was in Northern California.

[ctmale1956]

Does anyone know how I can download this song? Please let me know where I can find the mpg or avi file. Thanks.

[sugarbell99]

I always thought Louis Prima was the first to sing this song wow!! go Bing go!

[GigMomm]

Crosby was a reflection of his era and environment. I think, had he been raised in Weimar Germany, we would have heard a darker, more revealing interpretation of this tragic song. Having experienced Bing in his latter years in a home setting, I came to realize that this was a very troubled soul quite in contrast to his sweet and breezy vocal style.

[ctmale1956]

How so? His drinking?....Womanizing?....

[GigMomm]

It's hard to put into words but I suggest you look into his Catholicism.

[ctmale1956]

I am a catholic -- and am a bit lost by your comment. I have read that his son from Dixie Lee word a book that trashed Bing -- is this what you are refering to?

[GigMomm]

His family dynamics left him a bitter and troubled man. I recall seeing Dixie Lee entertaining at home, always maintaining what we in the business refer to as a "party face", a dead giveaway that things are not right with the world. Bing's apparent fear of spending money was most reflected in their home. Even simple repairs had not been done to their lovely Hillsboro estate.

[ctmale1956]

WOW --- interesting and yet very sad. Amazing to me how someone who can bring so much joy to others --- has difficulites bring total joy and happiness to his family....Thank you.

[themonaghans]

Dixie never lived in Hillsborough with Bing. When she died they had only ever lived in L.A. Dixie was also known to be a very troubled alcoholic. That could explain her "party face." Bing lived in Hillsborough many, many years later. From what I understand the house was a showpiece. If you read Kathryn Crosby's books, you will find he was not bitter and troubled.

[GigMomm]

Please see my latest post where I apologize for the error in his wife's name in my post. You are absolutely correct that it was Kathryn that I was referring to. Thank you for catching my stupid error.

[themonaghans]

His six other children disputed what Gary Crosby wrote. His youngest three said he was a loving and wonderful father.

[ctmale1956]

I hear you --- so who is right? Or is this nothing but sour graps and kids looking to make some money off of bashing their dead father?

[happytalk94]

Money is the root of all evil. you see it everywhere.

[650142]

even though it is such an old recording his beautiful righ voice comes through. Thanks for posting.

[650142]

I disagree.jCroby was the finast singer with a tone no one can match to this day. As Sinatra said. We put Bing Crosby on a pedastal and all us singer looking up at him to try and match him.

[ctmale1956]

I AGREE!.....DER BING WAS DER BEST!

[barbcard]

Don't know what happened to my previous comment about the Louis Armstrong version of this song, with its wry

references to American racism. So here it is again.

[kspm01]

Very refined early Crosby!

[ctmale1956]

Early Crosby gives us a very rich and clear sound -- this is in contrast to the Crosby of the 50's and beyond.

[kspm01]

I agree.

[ctmale1956]

Thank you ---- happy new year and all the best!

I am looking to download Crosby's "Just A Gigalo".

[kspm01]

I equally wish you a very happy New Yeear!

[dzheger]

Finest melancholic singing and playing.