I read with great interest your article on Bing Crosby (“Forgetting Bing,” Arts & Entertainment, Oct. 12).
I can only say, “How true.” The public seems to remember performers not particularly for their talents but for the mystique surrounding them.
This is a real mistake. Since the singing era represented by Crosby, (Perry) Como and Dick Haymes was the Golden Age of American pop music.
My particular favorite is Dick Haymes. His singing was deeper and more resonant than Sinatra’s.
He could plumb unusual depths with his bass-baritone voice. His interpretations were more moving and romantic than Bing’s.
His rich voice made him the ballad singer supreme.
However, it is probably a reality that when the 20th anniversary of his death occurs on March 30th, 2000, no one will write about him.
As your article said, some devoted connoisseurs do talk and write about these singers.
The Dick Haymes Society is active and international in scope — they recently released two CDs of Dick’s radio shows.
We do remember Dick, and each time we listen to his voice remember what a great singer he was.
Thanks for the article.
