Harry "Bing" Crosby (1903-1977) was an internationally known entertainer, but he also was a part of the John W. Galbreath ownership group, when Mr. Galbreath owned the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball franchise.
Yes I remember this well. There was a problem with crosby earning in this country. So he was given a Rolls Royce [Silver Shadow] in America as payment.
I have a feeling this commercial was produced for Shell's British affiliate, as I've never heard or seen Bing shilling for ANY gasoline in the U.S. I'm sure he was paid a hefty fee for allowing his singing voice to appear in this commercial for EUROPEAN TV audiences only.
Well, one line does say "Britain is great". I'm English and I remember the song very well indeed from TV adverts in my childhood. I didn't know until now that it was Bing Crosby singing it though!
I don't think this commercial was ever shown in the United States, although Bing Crosby was one of the top U.S. entertainers of the 20th century.
altfactor 11 months ago
Harry "Bing" Crosby (1903-1977) was an internationally known entertainer, but he also was a part of the John W. Galbreath ownership group, when Mr. Galbreath owned the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball franchise.
1985OldSkool 1 year ago
Not the '50s more like the '60s, he's driving a series 1 E type Jag first produced in '61
mctim64 1 year ago
Of course this is Bing singing!
Ulysses61 3 years ago
Yes I remember this well. There was a problem with crosby earning in this country. So he was given a Rolls Royce [Silver Shadow] in America as payment.
Sundial44 4 years ago
It is Bing, he did it as a favour for a British advertising exective friend who he met on a flight to London in the late 1950's.
There is a longer story about the project, but I can't remember it.
The advert was only shown in cinemas at the time.
wilf66 4 years ago
"Crossby" is telling....I don't think it's Mr. Crosby singing at all.
soundslikefrank 4 years ago
this is so cool
andreadoria 4 years ago
I have a feeling this commercial was produced for Shell's British affiliate, as I've never heard or seen Bing shilling for ANY gasoline in the U.S. I'm sure he was paid a hefty fee for allowing his singing voice to appear in this commercial for EUROPEAN TV audiences only.
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
Well, one line does say "Britain is great". I'm English and I remember the song very well indeed from TV adverts in my childhood. I didn't know until now that it was Bing Crosby singing it though!
MattieToo 4 years ago