In the 1920s Paul Whiteman (1890-1967) led the most popular band in America. Whiteman's manager heard Crosby and Al Rinker while they were performing at the Metropolitan Theatre in Los Angeles in October, 1926, and arranged for a meeting with Whiteman. At that meeting Whiteman told the boys "I'd like you boys to join my outfit." He offered to pay them $150 each a week with the opportunity to earn additional income on the side. After fulfilling their contractual obligations to Paramount Publix, the boys made their debut with the Whiteman Orchestra at the Tivoli Theater in Chicago in December 1926. There Bing began studying music with some of the greatest musicians of the era: Bix Beiderbecke, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti and jazz guitarist Eddie Lang.
Whiteman introduced the duo for the first time at the Tivoli audience with a little 'white lie.'
"I want to introduce two young fellas who are joining my band -- this is the first time they've been with us. I picked them up in an ice-cream parlor in a little town called Walla Walla, Washington. I thought they were too good for Walla Walla, and that's why I brought them here. I want you to meet them: Crosby and Rinker."
The boys sang two numbers and were immediate audience favorites, getting called back for an encore.
When did Bing make his first recording?
More Bing FAQs. ||| Home || Developed by Steven Lewis
