15 Minutes with Bing Crosby for radio as for recording, he's a cinch for ether popularity." The nationwide shows continued daily (except Sundays) on a sustaining basis until October 31, 1931 from station WABC in New York. Harry Von Zell was the announcer. Freddie Rich led the orchestra after the first week. Russ Columbo was broadcasting for NBC at 11:30 p.m. each night as competition for Bing with "Variety" noting "Scrap between NBC & CBS over Russ Columbo and Bing Crosby is getting warm." Crosby's popularity soon attracted a sponsor - the American Tobacco Company - and rather than Lucky Strike cigarettes, the company's president,
How the West Was Won (Bing Crosby album) How the West Was Won (Bing Crosby album) How the West Was Won was a 2-LP album recorded in July 1959 at United Recorders, Hollywood, for Bing Crosby's own company, Project Records. It was released by RCA Victor Records in 1960 and featured Crosby, Rosemary Clooney as well as other singers. The backing orchestra was conducted by Bob Thompson. The records were issued with automatic couplings, i.e. LOP 6070-1 - sides 1 and 3, LOP 6070-2 - sides 2 and 4. Billboard liked the album saying "This handsome set is sure to attract. The striking cover and informative booklet are