Sixty years ago, American Icon Bing Crosby loaned his famous baritone voice to unify traditional carols with the spoken narration of Luke 2:4–20. After discovering this recording in our vault, we felt it was time to share it with the world again.
World Library Publications
the music and liturgy division of J.S.Paluch Company, Inc. 3708 River Road, Suite 400 Franklin Park, IL 60131-2158 800-566-6150 • wlpcs@jspaluch.com • wlpmusic.com
The
Bible Story of
CHRISTMAS with traditional carols in Gospel sequence sung by THE BONAVENTURE CHOIR
Sometime in 1955, Omer Westendorf (founder of World Library of Sacred Music— now WLP) wrote to several famous Catholics to find a narrator for a recording project. Among those names were Loretta Young, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, Prizefighter Rocky Marciano, and Bing Crosby. Bishop Sheen replied that he was too busy, and there were no replies from Ms. Young and Mr. Marciano. Bing Crosby made inquiries about World Library of Sacred Music through the Los Angeles Chancery Office. He made no formal reply and just sent a tape of the narration. Bing made the recording on August 6, 1956. The organ background was provided by Betty Zins Reiber, a longtime editor at WLP. According to Bing Enterprises/HLC Properties LLC, Bing donated his services and did not accept any payment.
Narrated by
BING CROSBY 3 easy ways to order!
The recording of Bing Crosby reading the Gospel of Luke 2:4 has not been used in any other project and is exclusive to World Library Publications. This “lost” recording of Bing Crosby is now available on Vinyl (LP) and CD. 007403 The Bible Story of Christmas narrated by Bing Crosby CD............. $10.00 007405 The Bible Story of Christmas narrated by Bing Crosby Vinyl LP .... $25.00
Call WLP customer care 800-566-6150 Order online: wlpmusic.com Contact your J.S. Paluch Parish Consultant. 3 easy ways to order!
BINGCROSBY2017
Call WLP customer care 800-566-6150 Order online: wlpmusic.com Contact your J.S. Paluch Parish Consultant.
WLPVIN2017 Photo of Bing Crosby provided courtesy of Bing Crosby Enterprises.
World Library Publications the music and liturgy division of J.S.Paluch Company, Inc.
3708 River Road, Suite 400 Franklin Park, IL 60131-2158 800-566-6150 • wlpcs@jspaluch.com wlpmusic.com