BTS’ Taehyung to Collaborate with Bing Crosby on “White Christmas”

In an exciting announcement on November 7, 2024, Billboard revealed that Kim Taehyung, a member of the renowned K-pop group BTS, will collaborate with legendary vocalist Bing Crosby on a posthumous version of the iconic holiday song, “White Christmas.”The track, produced under Geffen Records and Universal Music Group, is slated for release on December 6, 2024. This enchanting piece was initially recorded for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, later included in Crosby’s 1945 Merry Christmas album. The late Bing Crosby, a musical and cinematic icon, is survived by his children, Harry and Mary Crosby.

Expressing their enthusiasm about this unique musical partnership, Mary Crosby lauded Taehyung’s vocal talents, highlighting the beautiful harmony created between his voice and her father’s.

“As a family, we are thrilled to have V and Dad singing together on this ultimate Christmas song. Their voices blend beautifully, capturing the holiday spirit in the best possible way.”

Harry Crosby also shared his excitement:

“We are happy that V will help share the joy of this timeless Christmas song.”

This remarkable collaboration marks 79 years since the original release of “White Christmas.”It also positions Taehyung as the first artist from South Korea and the K-pop industry to engage in a duet with an American music legend, who was recognized with inductions into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame in 2027 and the Western Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

Notably, the 1942 Decca Records recording of “White Christmas”by Bing Crosby and The Ken Darby Singers was honored with a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974, further cementing its status as a classic.

The Lasting Legacy of Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby, a towering figure in 20th-century entertainment, revolutionized music, film, and radio, leaving a legacy that continues to influence artists today. With over 1,600 recorded songs and 400 hit singles to his name, Crosby’s contributions to music are monumental. His rendition of “White Christmas”remains the best-selling single ever, with over 50 million copies distributed globally.

Historically significant, “White Christmas”played a prominent role on April 30, 1975, when it was covertly aired on Armed Forces Radio, signaling the United States’ exit from Saigon. Declared the world’s best-selling single by the Guinness Book of Records in 1955, this timeless classic continues to resonate with fans even after five decades.

In 1999, “White Christmas”was featured on National Public Radio’s “NPR 100,”a compilation of the century’s top American compositions. Furthermore, according to RIAA ratings, Crosby’s version stands at No. 2 on the esteemed Songs of the Century list.

Beyond his holiday classic, Crosby achieved tremendous success with hits such as “Swinging on a Star,””Pennies from Heaven,”and “Don’t Fence Me In.”His influence on subsequent icons, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, is acknowledged widely, with many citing him as a pivotal inspiration in their artistic journeys.

On the silver screen, Bing Crosby shined equally bright. He clinched the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1944 for his portrayal of Father Chuck O’Malley in Going My Way and received another nomination for his role in The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945), alongside Ingrid Bergman.

His legacy further lives on through the famous Road to… film series, where he shared the screen with comedic legends Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. This series, beginning with Road to Singapore in 1940, showcased Crosby’s impeccable comedic timing and solidified his status as a beloved cinematic figure.

In addition to his musical and acting achievements, Crosby was a pioneer in broadcasting with his renowned radio show, The Bing Crosby Show. His accolades include three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1963), and an honored place in the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing his extensive contributions to American entertainment.

Source & Images