Illness and death Bing Crosby

commemorative plaque in brighton centre foyer

following recovery life-threatening fungal infection of right lung in january 1974, crosby emerged semi-retirement start new spate of albums , concerts. in march 1977, after videotaping concert @ ambassador theater in pasadena cbs commemorate 50th anniversary in show business, , bob hope looking on, crosby fell off stage orchestra pit, rupturing disc in requiring month in hospital. first performance after accident last american concert, on august 16, 1977 (the day singer elvis presley died); when power went out during performance, continued singing without amplification.

in september, crosby, family , singer rosemary clooney began concert tour of britain included 2 weeks @ london palladium. while in uk, crosby recorded final album, seasons, , final tv christmas special guest david bowie on september 11 (which aired little on month after crosby s death). last concert in brighton centre on october 10, 4 days before death, british entertainer dame gracie fields in attendance. following day made final appearance in recording studio , sang 8 songs @ bbc maida vale studios radio program, included interview alan dell. accompanied gordon rose orchestra, crosby s last recorded performance of song once in while . later afternoon, met chris harding take photographs seasons album jacket.

crosby s grave @ holy cross cemetery in culver city, california (incorrect birth year)

on october 13, 1977, crosby flew alone spain play golf , hunt partridge. on october 14, 1977, @ la moraleja golf course near madrid, crosby played 18 holes of golf. partner world cup champion manuel piñero; opponents club president cesar de zulueta , valentin barrios. according barrios, crosby in spirits throughout day, , photographed several times during round. @ ninth hole, construction workers building house nearby recognized him, , when asked song, crosby sang strangers in night . crosby, had 13 handicap, lost partner 1 stroke. crosby , party headed clubhouse, crosby said, great game of golf, fellas. however, others final words were, let s go coke. @ 6:30 pm, crosby collapsed 20 yards clubhouse entrance , died instantly massive heart attack. @ clubhouse , later in ambulance, house physician dr. laiseca tried revive him, unsuccessful. @ reina victoria hospital administered last rites of catholic church , pronounced dead. on october 18, following private funeral mass @ st. paul s catholic church in westwood, crosby buried @ holy cross cemetery in culver city, california. plaque placed @ golf course in memory.