Quick Read
- The 1957 holiday TV special ‘Happy Holidays with Bing & Frank’ starring Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra has been restored and released in HD.
- Bing Crosby popularized ‘White Christmas,’ which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1943 and remains a holiday staple.
- Colorado Springs hasn’t seen a true ‘White Christmas’ since 1987, but the song’s sentiment endures.
- Modern artists, including Kelly Clarkson, continue to cover Crosby’s holiday classics.
- ‘White Christmas’ (1954) is considered one of the most iconic holiday films.
The Timeless Voice That Defined Christmas
In 2025, as families gather and the world hums with holiday spirit, one voice continues to resonate above the rest: Bing Crosby. His smooth baritone, immortalized in songs like “White Christmas,” remains the gold standard for festive music. The recent restoration of the 1957 television special Happy Holidays with Bing & Frank—featuring both Crosby and Frank Sinatra—brings this classic back to life for a new generation. The remastered show, now available in HD, is more than a nostalgic treat; it’s a window into the warmth, wit, and mid-century charm that defined Crosby’s era (Rock Cellar Magazine).
First airing on ABC in December 1957, the special was directed by Nelson Riddle and paired Crosby and Sinatra for playful banter and memorable renditions of holiday songs. The festive gem captures two of music’s most iconic voices, offering viewers a cozy celebration that feels just as magical today as it did nearly seventy years ago.
‘White Christmas’: The Song That Became a Tradition
Arguably, Crosby’s most enduring contribution to the holiday season is “White Christmas.” Written by Irving Berlin for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, the song was catapulted to fame by Crosby’s dreamy, wistful performance. It became not only an Academy Award winner for Best Original Song in 1943 but also a permanent fixture in holiday playlists, radio rotations, and family gatherings around the world (AOL).
“White Christmas” evokes a picturesque winter scene—one that’s as much about nostalgia and longing as it is about snow. When Crosby reprised the song in the 1954 musical film White Christmas, starring alongside Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, its legacy was cemented. The film itself is now considered essential holiday viewing, frequently featured in lists of must-watch Christmas movies (Record Online).
Changing Seasons, Unchanging Sentiments
The enduring appeal of “White Christmas” is, in part, its universality. It conjures images of snowy landscapes—even in places where snow is rare. For instance, in Colorado Springs, residents may dream of a white Christmas, but as local news notes, the city hasn’t seen true Christmas Day snowfall in nearly forty years (KRDO). The last official “White Christmas” there was in 1987, with just an inch of snow on the ground.
Despite the lack of snow, the spirit Crosby sang about remains alive. Children skate on rinks kept frozen by dedicated city workers, families shop under sunny skies, and locals like Bill Hall find joy in the season regardless of the weather. It’s as if Crosby’s song has given people permission to celebrate the holiday in their hearts, whether or not the world outside matches the wintry scenes of the classic lyrics.
A Legacy That Inspires New Generations
Crosby’s influence hasn’t faded; it’s been reinterpreted and celebrated by artists across genres and generations. Kelly Clarkson’s recent performance of “White Christmas” on her show is just one example. She described her love for the song and the season, styling her studio to mimic a cozy holiday retreat in Montana. Clarkson’s rendition, like many before hers, pays homage to Crosby’s original while breathing new life into the classic (AOL).
From Michael Bublé to Gwen Stefani, countless musicians have covered “White Christmas,” each adding their own twist but always returning to the standard Crosby set. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its emotional resonance and the artistry of its first interpreter.
Bing Crosby in the Holiday Canon
Today, Crosby is inseparable from the season itself. Alongside other classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” his films and music are mainstays of holiday entertainment. White Christmas (1954) remains a fixture in holiday movie marathons and is cherished by fans for its music, its warmth, and its vision of holiday togetherness (Record Online).
Even as the definition of a “White Christmas” shifts with climate and circumstance, the song’s message endures. Crosby’s voice becomes a touchstone for shared memories, a soundtrack for celebrations, and a reminder of the comforting power of tradition.
Philanthropy and Community: The Crosby Spirit
The spirit of generosity Crosby embodied in his music extends beyond entertainment. Organizations like the Get Together Foundation, supported by music industry figures, carry forward the tradition of helping those in need during the holidays (Rock Cellar Magazine). Whether through direct aid or charity concerts, the ethos of giving that Crosby’s work inspired continues to shape community life.
- Restored 1957 holiday special with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra now available in HD.
- “White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin and popularized by Crosby, remains a holiday staple and Oscar winner.
- Colorado Springs hasn’t had a true “White Christmas” since 1987, reflecting changing climates but not diminishing holiday spirit.
- Modern artists like Kelly Clarkson continue to cover and honor Crosby’s classics, keeping his legacy alive.
- Crosby’s films and music remain central to holiday traditions and entertainment.
Bing Crosby’s legacy is more than a collection of beloved songs and classic films—it’s a living tradition. His influence bridges generations, weather, and genres, reminding us that while the snow may not always fall, the spirit of Christmas endures wherever his voice is heard.