[Dixielandjazz] Bing Crosby documentary previewed

[Robert Ringwald]

Fox Point Native Helps Us Mingle with Der Bingle
by Duane Dudek
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 5, 2010

Bing Crosby was best known as a crooner. But he also was a technology pioneer.
In the 1940s, Crosby invested in the recording technologies that allowed him to pre-tape
his radio programs for later broadcast.
"They called it transcription in those days," said John Scheinfeld, a Fox Point native
and documentary filmmaker. "He would record two or three shows in an afternoon and
then go play golf."
Crosby also was an early investor in videotape and recording technologies that became
a television industry standard, and over the years, he used them to record about
30 television specials, including the ominously titled "The Edsel Show," in 1957,
most of which have not been seen in their entirety since first broadcast. But last
year, the singer's estate gave Scheinfeld access to those shows to produce "The Legendary
Bing Crosby," which is airing nationwide on PBS. It can be seen locally at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday on WMVS-TV (Channel 10) and at 8:30 p.m. March 14 on WMVT-TV (Channel 36).
The show features commentary from his wife, Kathryn Crosby; his daughter Mary Crosby;
and full performances of 19 songs, including duets with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin,
Louis Armstrong, Rosemary Clooney and the infamous version of "The Little Drummer
Boy" with David Bowie.
"He is able to sublimate his very strong persona as a singer to duet with anybody,"
Scheinfeld said. "And I think this may be part of his appeal. He was easy and relaxed.
Nothing seemed to faze him."
Scheinfeld said the special is "the first salvo in a Bing Crosby initiative" that
includes newly remastered recordings.
Scheinfeld, a Nicolet High School alum, is almost as prolific as Crosby. His acclaimed
2006 documentary "The U.S. vs. John Lennon" played in theaters nationwide, including
Milwaukee, and a documentary "Who Is Harry Nilsson and Why Is Everybody Talking About
Him?" will be released later this year.


--Bob Ringwald K6YBV
rsr at ringwald.com
Fulton Street Jazz Band
916/806-9551

Check out our latest recording at www.ringwald.com/recordings.htm

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government
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--Thomas Jefferson


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