Hollywood Star Walk Category
Crooners
Technological innovation has always played a key role in the evolution in popular music, and when the microphone emerged in the early part of the century as a new tool for singers, a whole new style of vocalist was born: the Crooner.
Before the microphone, singers focused on sheer power to carry their voices to listeners at the backs of the theaters and clubs that hired them. Newly aided by electronic amplification, singers could concentrate on a more nuanced, conversational approach to music, and the original master of that style was “Der Bingle”: Bing Crosby.
The easy-going entertainer from Tacoma, Wash., gently purred songs of romance into the mike in recording studios and on radio, becoming the most popular singer of the first half of the 20th century. He spawned a couple of decades’ worth of followers, notably Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Perry Como and Andy Williams.
The Crooners were largely sidelined when Elvis Presley showed up and left the pop music world all shook up, but their influence has extended into the rock era through their impact on the likes of Barry Manilow and Harry Connick Jr.
—-Randy Lewis, who has covered music for The Times for more than two decades
Here's a look at some of the classic crooners honored with stars on the Walk of Fame. If you do not see the person you are looking for below please search our complete list of the stars on the Walk of Fame. And, if you haven’t yet, check out The Times virtual tour of the stars.
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Seven thoughts about Crooners
At some point you will have to add Harry Connick Jr. as someone who kept these crooners alive to new generations.
I think that Vic Damore should represent the Group. His voice was so mellow, elegant and smooth. No two songs sounded the same, he had a different rendition for each song.
He is still singing at 82 and living in W. Palm Beach. On Jan. 22, 2011, he is givng a concert at the Kravis Perfoming Arts Center in W. Palm Beach because he can sing as good today as he did at 40. How many of these artists can say that?
He is the "King of the Baritones". Long live the King!
Joyce John
Austin, Texas
To Whom it May Concern,
There are so many good singers shown on your list. Surely Nat King Cole, Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra are right up there. However, there is one crooner who deserves first place and always will ....."VIC DAMONE", the King of the Baritones, long may he reign!! He is so smooth, mellow, sophisticated, soothing, and yet so powerful. He is the "Singer's Singer". He never sings two songs alike, he puts a different rendition to all of them. His concert in Jan. in Fla. was a sell out and thrilled his audiance so much that they didn't want him to stop singing and he is 82! He will go on forever, if we are lucky!
Thank you Vic, for all your beautiful music, we are truly blessed.
God Bless you,
Joyce John
Austin. Texas
Dear Vic,
You are the Best, you do know that, don't you? You studied for many years. First, with your mother and then a vocal teacher. You still practice every day so you can keep on singing with that Heavenly voice. You never smoked and if that isn't a testimony not to smoke, I have never heard of one. You are out on the golf course every day breathing in that good oxygen and you work out during the week to keep fit. You should be an example for every young person out there who wants to make singing their lifetime profession. You can't abuse the body without abusing the "voice". People wonder how you keep singing so beautifully at 82, well this is how!!
Take heed, you young aspiring singers, he should be an inspiration to all of you.
Keep on keeping on, Vic,
Joyce John
Austin, Texas
i agree with joyce that vic damone best represents the group. he has a beautiful tone and can sing softly and with power. Also, i think jack jones should be on the list. he has incredible range and can sing jazz as well as pop.
It is true that Bing Crosby is the first crooner, I happen to know that the last crooner is Larry Costa. He has a voice that is covered in chocolate and is perfect to be the last one to deliver the old songs the way they need to be heard for one last time.
Yes there were female Crooners,Ill give you one Miss Doris Day.,and there where others.
Share a thought about The Times’ “Crooners” category
Which star best represents the group?
Does everyone here deserve to be on the list?
Who has been overlooked?