Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Bing Crosby – White Christmas
With Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter And His Orchestra
Vocal with Chorus and Orchestra
Written by Irving Berlin
78 RPM audio transfer from the Bowness Arts collection of vintage records.
Bing Crosby – White Christmas / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Label: Decca – 23778
Format: Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Released: 1947
Genre: Pop, Christmas Classic
Style: Easy Listening, Holiday
Other side of this record: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The 1947 reissue of 'White Christmas', featuring its newly re-recorded version, backed with 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'. The version was released after the record stamp of the 1942 original recording had worn out. Most later pressings of 'White Christmas' on singles, albums, and compilations use this 1947 recording, and is thus the most familiar version to audiences worldwide. Also, due to World War II not many countries saw the release of the 1942 original.
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby Jr. was born May 3, 1903 in Tacoma, Washington. He was an American singer and actor. Crosby had a passion for music from a young age and began singing in local theaters and churches in Spokane. In 1925, he formed a duo with Al Rinker and they moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. They were eventually joined by Harry Barris, forming the trio that became known as The Rhythm Boys. In 1931, Crosby began his solo career and signed with Brunswick Records. He became known for his smooth, crooning voice. Some of his most popular songs include "White Christmas," "Swinging on a Star," and "Pennies from Heaven." Crosby also found success in the film industry. He was also a regular on radio and television, hosting his own shows and making numerous guest appearances. Crosby's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of two of his sons. He was married twice in his life, first to Dixie Lee and later to Kathryn Grant. Throughout his career, Bing Crosby was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. Among these were the following: In 1944, he won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for his iconic rendition of "White Christmas." The following year, in 1945, Crosby was honored with the Academy Award for Best Actor for his standout performance in "Going My Way." Crosby's contributions to radio broadcasting were also recognized, as he was awarded the Peabody Award in 1946. In 1955, Crosby won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Country Girl." In 1962, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his significant impact on the music industry. Crosby was also successful in the realm of television, winning two Emmy Awards for his television specials: "An Hour with Bing Crosby" in 1962 and "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" in 1977. Though Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, at the age of 74, his legacy lived on. In 1978, he was recognized as one of the honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors, which celebrated his contributions to the performing arts.
Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912 the Gramophone Company established 78 rotations per minute as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "non-breakable" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.
Bing Crosby – White Christmas
With Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter And His Orchestra
Vocal with Chorus and Orchestra
Written by Irving Berlin
78 RPM audio transfer from the Bowness Arts collection of vintage records.
Bing Crosby – White Christmas / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Label: Decca – 23778
Format: Shellac, 10", 78 RPM
Released: 1947
Genre: Pop, Christmas Classic
Style: Easy Listening, Holiday
Other side of this record: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
The 1947 reissue of 'White Christmas', featuring its newly re-recorded version, backed with 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen'. The version was released after the record stamp of the 1942 original recording had worn out. Most later pressings of 'White Christmas' on singles, albums, and compilations use this 1947 recording, and is thus the most familiar version to audiences worldwide. Also, due to World War II not many countries saw the release of the 1942 original.
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby Jr. was born May 3, 1903 in Tacoma, Washington. He was an American singer and actor. Crosby had a passion for music from a young age and began singing in local theaters and churches in Spokane. In 1925, he formed a duo with Al Rinker and they moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in show business. They were eventually joined by Harry Barris, forming the trio that became known as The Rhythm Boys. In 1931, Crosby began his solo career and signed with Brunswick Records. He became known for his smooth, crooning voice. Some of his most popular songs include "White Christmas," "Swinging on a Star," and "Pennies from Heaven." Crosby also found success in the film industry. He was also a regular on radio and television, hosting his own shows and making numerous guest appearances. Crosby's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of two of his sons. He was married twice in his life, first to Dixie Lee and later to Kathryn Grant. Throughout his career, Bing Crosby was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. Among these were the following: In 1944, he won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for his iconic rendition of "White Christmas." The following year, in 1945, Crosby was honored with the Academy Award for Best Actor for his standout performance in "Going My Way." Crosby's contributions to radio broadcasting were also recognized, as he was awarded the Peabody Award in 1946. In 1955, Crosby won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Country Girl." In 1962, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his significant impact on the music industry. Crosby was also successful in the realm of television, winning two Emmy Awards for his television specials: "An Hour with Bing Crosby" in 1962 and "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" in 1977. Though Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, at the age of 74, his legacy lived on. In 1978, he was recognized as one of the honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors, which celebrated his contributions to the performing arts.
Note: The first 78 RPM record came into existence around 1894, and in 1912 the Gramophone Company established 78 rotations per minute as their recording standard. The production of shellac records continued throughout the 78 rpm era, with "non-breakable" 78 rpm vinyl records being introduced in the 1940s. The popularity of the 33 1/3 rpm "Long Play" record, initially released in 1948, caused the 78 rpm record to become obsolete before the end of the 1950s. As these 78 rpm recordings are quite old, they may contain derogatory language and/or negative stereotypes. It is important to evaluate such recordings within their historical context and consider them as a reflection of the attitudes prevalent at the time. These recordings form an integral part of the historical record and do not represent the views of this poster, channel, or Bowness Arts.
