Bing Crosby

Born Harry Lillis Crosby in Spokane, Washington to parents of Anglo-Irish heritage, Bing Crosby became a pioneer of the entertainment industry in the early 20th century. The nickname Bing that he would carry with him throughout his life is attributable to two of his earliest passions while growing up in Washington State: a parody newspaper and drinking. The Bingville Bugle was a newspaper parody that he was fond of and was the genesis of his Bing moniker early in life. His passion for drinking, sometimes to excess, temporarily replaced his Bing title with the more dubious "binge" in his late teenage years.

Music was an early influence in his life and his father's mandolin and the family's Victrola phonograph would become the soundtrack of his childhood. The phonograph cost his father an entire paycheck but the family's love for music made it a worthwhile expense.

In his adolescent years, Bing idolized the vaudeville star Al Jolson. When Jolson performed his stage show in Spokane, Washington, Bing got a job at the theater so he could mimic his act from backstage.