Bing’s Oldest Son, Gary, Dies Of Cancer

Gary Crosby, eldest son of Bing Crosby and himself a singer, recording artist and actor, died of lung cancer Thursday at the age of 62.

He recorded two duets with his father, which became the first double-sided gold record in the history of the recording industry. Their songs were “Sam’s Song” and “Play a Simple Melody,” recorded in 1950.

The popularity of entertainer Gary Crosby, who performed on television, film and stage, never approached that of his legendary father. In his youth, he acquired a reputation as a bad-boy son who was frequently in trouble for drinking.