Bing Crosby Quotes

Bing Crosby, an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, has left an indelible mark on the world through his timeless music and poignant quotes. Known for his smooth voice and charismatic presence, Crosby’s words continue to inspire and resonate with audiences today. In this article, we’ll explore some of Bing Crosby’s most memorable quotes, delving into the wisdom and insight behind them.

 

Bing Crosby: A Legendary Icon

Early Life and Career

Humble Beginnings

Born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1903, Bing Crosby’s journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. His early years were marked by modest beginnings, which shaped his grounded and relatable persona. These formative experiences influenced his perspective on life, often reflected in his quotes.

Rise to Stardom

Crosby’s career took off in the late 1920s, and by the 1930s, he had become a household name. His unique blend of jazz and pop music, combined with his charming on-screen presence, catapulted him to fame. His rise to stardom was a testament to his talent and determination, themes often echoed in his words.

 

Musical Contributions

Influence on Jazz and Pop

Bing Crosby was a trailblazer in the music industry, seamlessly blending jazz and pop to create a distinctive sound. His contributions to these genres have influenced countless artists, and his quotes about music reveal his deep understanding of its power and potential.

Collaborations with Other Legends

Crosby collaborated with many other musical legends, including Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra. These partnerships not only produced unforgettable music but also gave rise to insightful observations about creativity and collaboration, often reflected in his quotes.

 

Bing Crosby’s Wisdom: Quotes to Remember

Quotes on Life

Embracing Simplicity

Crosby often spoke about the importance of simplicity in life. One of his famous quotes, “The secret of happiness is to face the fact that the world is horrible,” reflects his belief in accepting life’s imperfections and finding joy in the simple moments.

Living with Joy

Another notable quote, “You gotta accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative,” encapsulates Crosby’s optimistic outlook on life. His words encourage us to focus on the good and let go of negativity.

 

Quotes on Music and Art

The Essence of Music

Crosby’s love for music is evident in his quotes about the art form. He once said, “I think popular music in this country is one of the few things in the twentieth century that have made giant strides in reverse.” This quote highlights his critical view of the evolving music industry, emphasizing the need for authenticity and soul in music.

The Creative Process

On creativity, Crosby remarked, “A song ain’t nothin’ in the world but a story just wrote with music to it.” This quote underscores his belief in storytelling as a core element of music, a principle that guided his artistic endeavors.

 

Inspiring Through Adversity

Overcoming Challenges

Personal Struggles

Crosby faced numerous personal challenges throughout his life, including health issues and personal loss. His ability to overcome these obstacles is reflected in his resilient spirit, often captured in his motivational quotes.

Professional Hurdles

In his professional life, Crosby encountered various hurdles, from industry skepticism to the pressures of maintaining success. His perseverance is evident in his words, such as, “When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep,” reminding us to focus on gratitude during tough times.

 

Maintaining Positivity

Staying Optimistic

Crosby’s optimistic nature is a recurring theme in his quotes. He believed in the power of positive thinking, as seen in his advice, “Each day is a new day to start over.” His words encourage us to embrace each day with a fresh perspective.

Encouraging Others

As a public figure, Crosby often used his platform to inspire and uplift others. His quote, “He who sings scares away his woes,” is a testament to his belief in the healing power of music and the importance of sharing joy with others.

 

The Legacy of Bing Crosby

Influence on Future Generations

Modern Musicians Inspired by Crosby

Bing Crosby’s influence extends far beyond his era. Many modern musicians credit him as a significant inspiration. His innovative techniques and heartfelt performances have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the music industry.

Cultural Impact

Crosby’s impact isn’t limited to music; he also made significant contributions to film and television. His multifaceted career has cemented his place as a cultural icon, with his quotes reflecting his broad influence on entertainment and society.

 

Bing Crosby in Modern Media

Biographies and Documentaries

Numerous biographies and documentaries have been made about Crosby’s life, providing deeper insights into his personality and achievements. These works often feature his memorable quotes, offering a glimpse into his thoughts and philosophies.

Tributes and Homages

Crosby’s legacy is celebrated through various tributes and homages, from musical covers to commemorative events. These acknowledgments highlight the enduring relevance of his work and the timeless wisdom of his quotes.

Bing Crosby’s quotes offer a window into the mind of a legendary artist whose influence transcends generations. His insights on life, music, and overcoming adversity continue to inspire and resonate with people around the world. As we reflect on his words, we are reminded of the enduring power of positivity, simplicity, and creativity.

What made Bing Crosby’s quotes so impactful? Bing Crosby’s quotes are impactful because they reflect his genuine, down-to-earth personality and his deep understanding of life and music. His ability to convey profound truths in simple, relatable terms makes his words resonate with a wide audience.

How did Bing Crosby influence modern music? Crosby pioneered the crooning style and was instrumental in popularizing jazz and pop music. His innovative techniques, such as using the microphone as an instrument, paved the way for future generations of singers and musicians.

What are some famous quotes by Bing Crosby? Some famous quotes by Bing Crosby include, “The secret of happiness is to face the fact that the world is horrible,” and “You gotta accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative.”

How did Bing Crosby maintain his popularity? Crosby’s versatility as a singer, actor, and entertainer, along with his charismatic personality and timeless music, helped him maintain his popularity throughout his career. His ability to adapt to changing trends while staying true to his style also played a significant role.

Where can I find more about Bing Crosby’s life and work? You can learn more about Bing Crosby through biographies, documentaries, and various online resources dedicated to his life and career. Libraries, bookstores, and streaming services often have a wealth of material on this legendary artist.

Phrases

01. Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.

02. Honestly, I think I’ve stretched a talent which is so thin it’s almost transparent over a quite unbelievable term of years.

03. The things Elvis has done during his career and the things he has contributed and created are really something very important to the music business.

04. My golf is woeful, but I will never surrender.

05. Once or twice I’ve been described as a light comedian. I consider this the most accurate description of my abilities I’ve ever seen.

06. He was the only musician who ever lived, who can’t be replaced by someone.

07. I’ll be home for Christmas. You can count on me.

08. That was a great game of golf, fellers.

09. Christmas has a way of bringing out the best in everyone.

10. I don’t sing anywhere as good as I used to, and I feel sincerely that it’s getting worse.

11. If I made a mistake in singing a song or in the script, I could have some fun with it, then retain any of the fun that sounded amusing.

12. There’s no labor a man can do that’s undignified if he does it right.

13. Listen a lot and talk less. You can’t learn anything when you’re talking.

14. I’m proud to acknowledge my debt to the ‘Reverend Satchelmouth’. He is the beginning and the end of music in America.

15. The most talented woman I ever knew was Judy Garland. She was a great, great comedienne and she could do more things than any girl I ever knew.

16. Frank (Sinatra) is a singer who comes along once in a lifetime, but why did he have to come in mine?

17. Let’s face it, Sinatra is a king. He’s a very sharp operator, a keen record chief, and has a keen appreciation of what the public wants.

18. You’ll never be a wonderful woman or even a wonderful human being until you learn to have some regard for human frailty.

19. Everyone knows I’m just a big, good-natured slob.

20. When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings.

21. You don’t have to be a golfer to be able to tell a good lie.

22. They can’t censor the gleam in my eye.

23. In golf as in life, it’s the follow-through that makes the difference.

24. I just played Bing Crosby. Sometimes I had a priest’s collar; sometimes I dressed some way else.

25. There wasn’t a thing that gal couldn’t do – except look after herself.

26. Crooning started with Vallee, didn’t it? I was glad to be classified as anything, just to be working.

27. I was born with a natural gift for rhythm and timing.

28. The best advice I can give anybody about acting is, don’t.

29. I don’t know why people like my singing, but I don’t knock it.

30. I don’t think I ever did pick a hit song, unless it was “Sweet Leilani”.

31. My mother used to wash me in a big tin tub, and she said, “He came out clean.”

32. This is the only country in the world where an old broken-down crooner can win an Oscar for acting. It shows that everybody in this country has a chance to succeed.

33. Louis Armstrong was marvelous to be with. He had tremendous warmth, appeal. And I idolized him, not only for how great he was singing and playing, but for himself.

34. I never wanted to be a millionaire; I just wanted to live like one.

35. There is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for Hope, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for me… We spend our lives doing nothing for each other.

36. I’d rather be lucky than good.

37. I honestly do think in a small way I’m doing something for America.

38. I’m the epitome of ordinariness.

39. Every once in a while, somebody hits a home run. But not everybody.

40. I never liked being called “cute”.

41. The only thing that is going to keep you sane is if you can laugh at yourself a little bit.

42. I don’t know how to write love letters. I’ve tried. I’ve started ‘em, “Dearest, darling, wonderful you,” and I’ve ended ‘em, “You lucky gal.”

43. I don’t sing anywhere near as good as I used to, and I feel sincerely that it’s getting worse.

44. I never met anybody that I really didn’t like. Except maybe some of those reviewers.

45. I didn’t get where I am today by singing like somebody else.

46. I consider myself fortunate to be where I am today.

47. The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes.

48. I think popular music in this country is one of the few things in the twentieth century that have made giant strides in reverse.

49. Where the blue of the night meets the gold of the day, someone waits for me.

50. The way I see it, everybody’s got to be somewhere.