Exploring Bing Crosby: Everything You Should Know About the Iconic Singer as BTS’ Taehyung Prepares for a Christmas Collaboration

BTS’ Kim Taehyung to Duet with Bing Crosby on Classic Holiday Tune

In a remarkable announcement on November 7, 2024, Billboard revealed that Kim Taehyung, a member of the globally-acclaimed K-pop group BTS, will share a pre-recorded duet of the timeless classic White Christmas with the legendary Bing Crosby on December 6. This iconic song, first released in 1945, served as the lead single for Crosby’s highly celebrated Merry Christmas album.

Bing Crosby: A Legacy of Music and Film

Bing Crosby (1903-1977) was an illustrious figure in American entertainment. Recognized for his smooth baritone voice, he produced numerous hits, including White Christmas, Swinging on a Star, and Pennies from Heaven. Beyond his music career, Crosby made significant contributions to the realms of radio, television, and film.

The Impact of White Christmas

White Christmas holds the esteemed title of the best-selling single of all time, a record it maintained for nearly six decades. Crosby’s illustrious film career includes over 70 feature films, such as the beloved classic White Christmas (1954), Holiday Inn (1942), and Going My Way (1944), the latter of which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Notably, White Christmas has sold an astounding 50 million copies worldwide, as recognized by Guinness World Records, and it garnered the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1948.

Kim Taehyung Reflects on the Collaboration

Expressing his excitement in a statement to Billboard, Kim Taehyung shared:

“I’m so grateful to have had the chance to collaborate with my all-time favorite jazz artist, Bing Crosby. Growing up, I listened to ‘It’s Been a Long, Long Time’ every day, so I feel incredibly honored to have sung along on ‘White Christmas’ with someone I deeply admire.”

He further elaborated:

“As a huge fan, I approached this project with unwavering sincerity and admiration. I sincerely hope that many will enjoy the song as much as I appreciated singing it. Wishing everyone a lovely holiday season!”

The Crosby Family’s Delight

The Crosby family, including Bing Crosby’s daughter, Mary, and son, Harry, expressed their joy regarding this posthumous collaboration. Mary Crosby told Billboard:

“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 an exceptional way.”

Harry Crosby also shared his gratitude, stating:

“We are delighted that V will help bring the joy of this timeless Christmas song back to the world.”

Taehyung’s Previous Christmas Release

Previously, on December 24, 2022, GMA Network reported that Taehyung released a cover of Bing Crosby’s It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas through BTS’ official YouTube channel, SoundCloud, and Weverse. This cover achieved notable success, ranking No. 8 on the Holiday Airplay chart, No. 30 on the Holiday Streaming Songs, and No. 14 on the Holiday Digital Song Sales charts.

A Timeless Classic’s Recognition

Bing Crosby’s rendition of White Christmas was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and is preserved in the National Recording Registry, showcasing its significance in American music history. The song consistently ranked No. 1 on the Holiday Airplay chart in 2008 and maintained a place in the Top 10 of the same chart during every holiday season from 2002 to 2016.

As fans anticipate the release of this enchanting duet, it undeniably reignites the spirit of Christmas, combining the rich legacy of Bing Crosby with the contemporary charm of Kim Taehyung.

Source & Images