Poll: Dean Martin or Bing Crosby?

[goldwyn girl]

For me it has to be Mr Martin !

 

[rikrdo]

Dean-O..................Baby !

 

[Doctor Strange]

Bing, by a mile.

As others have said, his importance to modern popular music shouldn't be underestimated. Besides being a hugely successful recording artist for decades, he broke out from radio and records as a movie star - providing an example for many others to follow - pioneered using tape recording vs. live performances on his radio show, and never lost his jazz feeling or veneration of great jazz players. And as the first white star singing in the jazzy new "black" style in the early 30s (without distancing himself behind blackface), he provided the template for Elvis to succeed in the 50s.

Dean was a very talented singer and actor, but he's just a footnote in popular music history. Bing - behind his genial, relaxed performing persona - was a unique genius. (And alas, like most geniuses, his personal life outside of his art was often a bit ugly.)

 

[Widebrim]

Dean was a very talented singer and actor, but he's just a footnote in popular music history. Bing - behind his genial, relaxed performing persona - was a unique genius. (And alas, like most geniuses, his personal life outside of his art was often a bit ugly.)

While I wouldn't relegate Dean to a footnote (and do like him better), Bing certainly was more important in the development of 20th century music, and influenced a ton of singers who came after him, including Sinatra (my favorite, period).

 

[Widebrim]

Dean came much later than Bing. A more apt question might be: Bing, Russ, or Rudy?

And another more apt question might be: Dean or Frank?

 

[vitanola]

I don't know but that the comparison of Dean Martin to Bing Crosby isn't rather akin to that of Franz Danzi to Mozart. One of each pair was a master of their craft, and the other was a singular figure in the history of their respective style of music. I'll leave you to guess who was which in the Danzi/Mozart grouping, but note that Dean Martin was an unquestionably talented singer and comedian, a true master of his craft, whilst Bing...

 

[Doggy Darb]

Bing for me. I really enjoy listening to the variety of songs he sang and other performers he recorded with.

Factually speaking, there's no doubt that he had a tremendous impact on music and most popular singers that followed him until the late '60s. His 50 year career is unparalleled. Crosby's is likely the most recorded voice and it will probably remain that way.

Honestly, "evidence" like the above is meaningless. I like his sound.

 

[Forgotten Man]

All of you know I beat to a heavy Depression Era drum... that's my favorite time period... 1929-1939... well, I do love the 1940-46 years too... I mean, the 40s will always be very near my heart.

For some reason, (in my opinion) singers of the 30s seemed to me to sing with more feeling. I know other later artists did as well, but the orchestration seemed too popish and artistic... the beauty of a melody was lost to modern post war era. While in the earlier years, you could just whistle along to a popular song from the radio... seemed simpler... I like that.

In all honesty, Bing Crosby (along with his brother Bob) was an amazing influence in American culture and music. Also, I am a rather big Al Bowlly fan too... with Ray Noble... guy, you couldn't have the 30s without Al!

Both those two seemed to sing different styles but, evoke a haunting feeling deep down inside. Ray Noble in an interview stated that some times Al would turn away from the mike with a tear in his eye as he sang... his heart was in his art and it was evident.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

No one has said it yet,...

And another more apt question might be: Dean or Frank?

Apples or oranges? [huh]

 

[Widebrim]

Apples or oranges? [huh]

Maj. ND, are you applying the proverbial fruit reference to a comparision between Dean and Frank, or one between Dean and Bing? I'm hoping the latter...

 

[zendy]

Like many have said, they are from different eras. I think most everyone is choosing a favorite based on the time period they feel most comfortable with. At least that's why I chose Dean. Fantastic voice, funny as hell and, well... he was pretty easy on the eyes.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Maj. ND, are you applying the proverbial fruit reference to a comparision between Dean and Frank, or one between Dean and Bing? I'm hoping the latter...

The latter of course. As they were both from quite different eras.

 

[Flivver]

Definetly Bing for me.

I particularly like his work in the late 1920s with Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys.

But my Mom was a huge fan of Dean Martin.

 

[Shangas]

While I am a big fan of all the old-school crooners, I think Crosby wins it for me. I've listened to several of his recordings, and between him and Dino, it has to be Bing.

 

[Chas]

My personal favorite is Nat King Cole. He was a superlative jazz pianist as well as a top-drawer singer and entertainer.

 

[Widebrim]

My personal favorite is Nat King Cole. He was a superlative jazz pianist as well as a top-drawer singer and entertainer.

Cole was fantastic.

 

[skyvue]

Cole is my favorite, too.

 

[WideBrimm]

No contest. Bing Crosby has always been my favorite He was one of the best crooners of all time. I've always enjoyed his music. On the other hand, while Dean Martin was a good singer with a style all his own, I do not particularly care for his sound. Not my cup of tea. My earliest recollections of Dean Martin were as a comedian, half of the duo of Martin and Lewis. I still think of him that way.

 

[Chainsaw]

Bing Crosby of course is the better role model, or ideal, and his music was cool. But Dino's, a better choice. like Sinatra I can say i listen to his music, without having to give the person a look like I'm gonna smash them over the head with my hammer.

 

[Tiller]

I honestly can't make up my mind on this one, if pushed I'd say Bing. It's the debate about an originator against a preserver. Although Bing was a preserver of the style in his own right with all that he did, Dean's tv show did a lot to keep the style in the mainstream for as long as it was.

As many have stated more eloquently then I ever could, Bing was one of the original greats, and with everything he did perhaps the best. With that said it's hard to say how much of the style would have lasted had it not been for the likes of Dean Martin, and others who kept the style alive. Dean's Variety Show helped to keep the song styles of the Great American Songbook in the mainstream until 1974.

Would there still be an interest in the Great American Songbook, and other classic styles if Dean and others hadn't kept their acts going well after rock surpassed Jazz, and traditional pop as the west's favorite genre? Probably. But to the level it is today? I'm not quite sure. Dean had a lot to do with keeping the image of the laid back lounge singer going with his tv show, even when the Beatles were old hat.

Without guy's like Bing, guy's like Dean may not have been half as popular as they were, but Dean's generation did their part as well.

Phil Harris is a guy who doesn't get much attention when it comes to these discussions, as well. The songs he did for Disney were the introduction many members of my generation had to the crooner/Jazz style .