Bing Crosby is known as one of the most iconic crooners in American music history, but behind his legendary status, he had a complicated personal life. In particular, Crosby’s relationships with women were fraught with drama, as he was married twice and had numerous extramarital affairs, resulting in a total of seven children.
Crosby’s first marriage was to singer and actress Dixie Lee in 1930. The couple had four sons together: Gary, Dennis, Phillip, and Lindsay. However, their marriage was not a happy one, with Crosby reportedly having affairs with several women throughout their marriage. Dixie Lee passed away in 1952 at the age of 41 due to ovarian cancer, leaving Crosby devastated.
Just a year later, Crosby married his second wife, Kathryn Grant, who was 31 years his junior. The couple had three children together: Harry, Mary Frances, and Nathaniel. Despite their large age difference, Crosby and Grant were reportedly happy together, and their marriage lasted until Crosby’s death in 1977.
However, Crosby’s infidelities did not stop with his second marriage. He reportedly had affairs with several women, including actress Inger Stevens and model Pat Sheehan. In 1952, Crosby even faced a scandal when he was sued for paternity by actress Marilyn Miller, who claimed that Crosby was the father of her child. The case was eventually settled out of court.
Crosby’s complicated personal life was not without its consequences. His eldest son, Gary, struggled with drug addiction and was convicted of drug possession in the 1980s. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 62. Crosby’s other sons also faced their share of challenges, with Dennis dying in a house fire at the age of 56 and Lindsay struggling with alcoholism.
Despite these challenges, Bing Crosby remains a beloved figure in American music history, with his distinctive voice and timeless songs still cherished by fans around the world. However, his personal life serves as a reminder that even the most iconic celebrities are human and face their share of struggles and hardships.
In conclusion, Bing Crosby had a complicated personal life, with two marriages, numerous affairs, and a total of seven children. Despite his legendary status as a crooner, Crosby’s infidelities and personal struggles had a lasting impact on his family and serve as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity life.
Bing Crosby was one of the most popular and influential singers and actors of the 20th century. He began his career as a member of a group called The Rhythm Boys, which performed with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra in the 1920s. Crosby’s smooth and relaxed vocal style quickly made him a star, and he became known as the “King of Crooners.”
In the 1930s, Crosby began appearing in movies, and soon became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He appeared in numerous films, including the popular “Road to…” series with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. Crosby’s performances in films like “Going My Way” and “The Bells of St. Mary’s” earned him critical acclaim and several Academy Awards.
Crosby was also a successful radio personality, hosting a popular show called “The Kraft Music Hall” for many years. He was one of the first performers to use the medium of recorded music to his advantage, and his recordings of popular songs like “White Christmas” and “Silent Night” became holiday classics.
Throughout his career, Crosby remained an innovative and versatile performer, continually adapting his style to new trends and technologies. He was one of the first singers to use the microphone as a tool for subtlety and nuance, and he was also an early adopter of television as a medium for entertainment.
Bing Crosby’s influence on popular music and culture can still be felt today. His smooth vocal style and easy charm helped pave the way for other crooners like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, and his work in film and television helped define the modern entertainment industry. Despite his personal flaws and controversies, Crosby’s talent and legacy continue to endure.
