Bing: A Musical Autobiography

Reception

In an enthusiastic review of the set, John S. Wilson writing in the New York Times, commented; "The first half of the program in which Crosby talks about his early days and sings his early hits is an unalloyed joy, a field day for nostalgians. In view of complaints that have been made off and on for the past fifteen years that the Crosby voice was gone, that he no longer had the old touch, it is a particular pleasure to hear these early songs recorded within the past year, sung with all the old Crosby ease and charm...This is an exceptional collection of recordings, the summation of a landmark in American popular music and well worth the asking price."

Allmusic's John Bush called A Musical Autobiography "the most laborious exercise in Crosby's entire career, narrating a career history and re-recording dozens of songs." It was also issued to commemorate Decca's 20th anniversary. Billboard reported, "Decca's merchandising displays consist of a life like window or floor display of Bing Crosby, mounted on an easel and with Crosby holding a copy of his musical autobiography titled simple, 'Bing.' This set ... is the firm's big push for the fall."

Personnel for re-recordings

Buddy Cole (piano and organ); Perry Botkin (guitar); Don Whitaker (bass); Nick Fatool (drums).

Bonus tracks (on the Avid Entertainment 2005 CD release)

When Bing: A Musical Autobiography was re-released as a 4-CD set in 2005, the label added bonus tracks that had no connection with the original album. These tracks were sourced from Bing Crosby's radio shows, publicity discs and from his short film soundtracks. The audio quality varies according to source.

'Paris Honeymoon' selection (from Kraft Music Hall, June 28, 1945):

1. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 1.14
2. "The Funny Old Hills" (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 1.29
3. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 0.37
4. "You're a Sweet Little Headache" (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 1.12
5. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 0.36
6. "I Have Eyes" (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 2.10

'The Star Maker' selection (from Kraft Music Hall, April 19, 1945):

1. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 1.06
2. "An Apple for the Teacher" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 0.47
3. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 0.21
4. "Still the Bluebird Sings" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 0.40
5. Banter between Ken Carpenter and Bing Crosby - 0.16
6. "A Man and His Dream" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 1.57

'I Surrender Dear' 1931 film soundtrack selection:

1. "I Surrender Dear" - 1.31
2. "Out of Nowhere" - 1.08
3. "At Your Command" (Harry Barris / Harry Tobias / Bing Crosby) - 1.55

'One More Chance' 1931 film soundtrack selection:

1. "Magic C.O.D." (a parody of "I Surrender Dear") - 1.07
2. "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" - 2.22
3. "I'd Climb the Highest Mountain" (Lew Brown / Sidney Clare) - 1.03
4. "Just One More Chance" (Arthur Johnston / Sam Coslow) - 3.22

'Dream House' 1931 film soundtrack selection:

1. "When I Take My Sugar to Tea"(Sammy Fain / Irving Kahal / Pierre Norman) - 0.48
2. "It Must Be True" (Harry Barris / Gus Arnheim / Gordon Clifford) - 1.18
3. "Dream House" (Earle Foxe / Lynn F. Cowan) - 1.11

'Billboard Girl' 1931 film soundtrack selection:

1. "Were You Sincere?" (Vincent Rose / Jack Meskill) - 1.24
2. "For You" (Joe Burke / Al Dubin) - 1.11

'Sing, Bing, Sing' 1932 film soundtrack selection:

1. "In My Hideaway" (K. L. Binford) - 1.22
2. "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" - 0.50
3. "Lovable" (Harry M. Woods / Gus Kahn) - 1.12
4. "Snuggled on Your Shoulder" - 1.48

'Blue of the Night' 1932 film soundtrack selection:

1. "My Silent Love" (Dana Suesse / Edward Heyman) - 0.35
2. "Auf Wiedersehen, My Dear" (Milton Ager / Ed G. Nelson / Al Hoffman /Al Goodhart) - 1.41
3. "Ev'ry Time My Heart Beats" (Benny Davis / Gerald Marks) - 1.39
4. "Where the Blue of the Night (Meets the Gold of the Day)" - 2.37

From 'The Big Broadcast' publicity discs:

1. Banter between Stuart Erwin and Bing Crosby (take 1) - 1.18
2. "Here Lies Love" (take 1) (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 3.13
3. Announcement by Sam Coslow - 1.41
4. "Please" (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 2.35

'Please' film soundtrack selection:

1. "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me" - 1.12
2. "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You" - 2.09
3. "Please" (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 1.49

From 'She Loves Me Not' publicity discs:

1. "Love in Bloom" (with Kitty Carlisle) - 3.26
2. "Straight from the Shoulder" (with Kitty Carlisle) (Harry Revel / Mack Gordon) - 3.28
3. "I'm Hummin', I'm Whistlin', I'm Singin'" (Harry Revel / Mack Gordon) - 3.15

From 'Two for Tonight' publicity discs:

1. "Two for Tonight" (Harry Revel / Mack Gordon) - 3.32

From 'Doctor Rhythm' publicity discs:

1. Introduction by Gayne Whitman - 0.47
2. "This Is My Night to Dream" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 2.53
3. "On the Sentimental Side" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 1.35
4. "Only a Gypsy Knows" (with Beatrice Lillie) (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 2.42
5. "My Heart Is Taking Lessons" (James V. Monaco / Johnny Burke) - 2.31

From 'Birth of the Blues' publicity discs:

1. "The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid" (with Mary Martin and Jack Teagarden) (Johnny Mercer) - 4.05
2. "My Melancholy Baby" - 2.35

From 'The Big Broadcast' publicity discs:

1. Banter between Stuart Erwin and Bing Crosby (take 2) - 1.13
2. "Here Lies Love" (take 2) (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin) - 3.15