Al Bowlly vs Bing Crosby

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The sound of wartime England (he died in the blitz you know)and a favourite of Joe Orton vs the king of croon (he died on the golf course you know), who almost single handed changed the music industry.

All being equal I'd go for Bing, but Al has one of the saddest voices of 20c.

― Billy Dods, Tuesday, 4 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

I'll go with Bing, simply 'cause of his influence (popularizer of "microphone singing") and his Satchmo damage. Al Bowlly I know nothing about, except for "Hang Up The Stars in Indiana," kind of weird thing for a Brit to be singing, I guess.

― Michael Daddino, Tuesday, 4 September 2001 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

eight months pass...

Though I belong to two Bing Crosby Societies and much admire "The Old Groaner" in many ways, I would opt for Al Bowlly. His voice is thoroughly unique and, with the right material (say, "Maybe I Love You Too Much"), can be almost heart-breakingly evocative.

― Ernest A. Nagy, Monday, 3 June 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

Al Bowlly = "Midnight with the Stars and You" in The Shining.

― Joe, Thursday, 6 June 2002 00:00 (twenty-three years ago)

six months pass...

I much prefer Bowlly,'tho I was aware of Crosby from an early age I feel Bing took it pretty lamely after a time and didn't put much effort into vocalising,whereas Al did his best with the most ordinary song.Bing became a boor,Al was always a thrill to listen to,and a unique voice,who like Franky can't be copied!
Bill

― bill metcalfe, Wednesday, 25 December 2002 03:21 (twenty-two years ago)

four years pass...

absolutely al bowlly. was popular on both sides of the atlantic too i believe, unusually for a brit (credit to roy fox as well)

midnight the stars and you is obv his most famous to a modern audience, because of the shining, but id have to go for By The Fireside as my personal favourite

― 696, Friday, 18 May 2007 10:08 (eighteen years ago)

There's something interesting about Bowlly in that he was born in Mozambique to Greek and Lebanese parents and raise in South Africa yet he is one of the quintessential English voices. I think it says something about the magpie nature of English popular culture that someone who on paper should be a total outsider becomes the voice of a nation through singing largely American influenced material.

― Billy Dods, Friday, 18 May 2007 13:20 (eighteen years ago)

"When That Man Is Dead And Gone" is awesome, haven't heard much else. For "sound of wartime britain" you can't really beat Vera Lynn I don't think.

Bing Crosby tho, so much to love. The country numbers, the radio shows, the "Road To" movies...and probably my all-time fave duet singer.

― Daniel_Rf, Friday, 18 May 2007 23:50 (eighteen years ago)

al bowlly was mainly prewar though!

― 696, Friday, 18 May 2007 23:59 (eighteen years ago)

All I can think of is Richard Thompsons' "Al Bowlly's In Heaven".

― Mr. Odd, Saturday, 19 May 2007 02:08 (eighteen years ago)

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