Bing Crosby’s voice has developed sort of epidemic character. You can’t get away from him. He’s really everywhere. On all radio stations, as on any counter where they sell records or sheet music. You hear him in the streets, in shops or by your neighbor’s radio. And if some craftsman starts to whistle some melody, it’s presumably going to be Just an Echo in the Valley.
The young lads, before they make a date to tour a young dame, are watching the schedules of radio stations carefully. They claim driving along a country road with a girl — probably in an open Roadster — in a June night and with Bing Crosby on the radio is a cinch. Well, maybe melodies like Moonstruck or Here Is My Heart really are. And maybe marriages went up a little because of this (they actually went down because of the Depression).
The most astonishing Bing Crosby phenomenon to me was, he occupied the most popular songs from Busby Berkeley movies. In fact the following titles are available on Bing Crosby records:
- Young and Healthy
- You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me (No.1 hit!)
- I’ve Got to Sing a Torch Song (No.1 hit!)
- Shadow Waltz (No.1 hit!)
His fourth No.1 hit was Just an Echo From the Valley. Bing got the most of them all — the hits and hearts of America’s dames. My Dancing Lady was recorded by Rudy Vallee and it didn’t get to No.1. What a pity, the film Dancing Lady is still my favorite and I love Rudy Vallee’s version of its title song. The 1932 hit Night and Day got to No.1 again. Yet in 1933 it wasn’t Fred Astaire’s version, but the recording of Eddie Duchin. RKO-Radio have already seen how important that musical Gay Divorce still is, which had closed last July, after 248 performances. And they had noticed Fred Astaire in it. You bet there’s going to be a movie version with Mr. Astaire…
Personally I noticed two further stage shows last year: As Thousands Cheer had opened last September and is still running with tremendous success. Music and lyrics have been written by Irving Berlin. No wonder one of this revue’s melodies, Easter Parade, got to No.1 too. The other show that made me keep my ears wide open is Roberta. It had opened in November and is still running as well. I’m pretty much convinced its song Smoke Gets in Your Eyes will be a big hit this year. It has been recorded with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, sung by Bob Lawrence — already selling like donuts.
Finally I’m glad to report that my greatest dream has come true. Jean Arthur has signed the contract for a very good dramatic role with Columbia Pictures. She is going to be the leading lady in the upcoming movie project Whirlpool. Her leading man will be Hollywood veteran Jack Holt. I don’t wonder. After two years on Broadway, Miss Arthur has become a darn good actress!
Clarissa Smith — January 6, 1934
