Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby on May 3, 1903, in Tacoma, Washington, was an iconic American singer, actor, and songwriter.

Crosby had a brief stint working for the U.S. Postal Service before his rise to fame. In 1921, he worked as a substitute and regular postal clerk in Spokane, Washington. This was a short chapter in his life, but it’s fascinating how even iconic figures like Crosby had humble beginnings.

He became one of the most influential and popular musical artists of the 20th century, known for his smooth, relaxed singing style that earned him the title of the archetypal crooner. Crosby’s career spanned radio, recordings, and motion pictures, making him the first multimedia star. He achieved great success with hits like “White Christmas” and “Silent Night,” and won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Going My Way” (1944). Crosby’s influence extended beyond music, as he played a significant role in developing the post-World War II recording industry. He passed away on October 14, 1977, near Madrid, Spain.

Bing Crosby was featured on the U.S. Scott # 2850 stamp as well as many others around the world.