We received the very sad news of the death of Ken Barnes in August and we have an appreciation of him in this issue plus some reminiscences from Greg Van Beek of his interactions with Ken.

You should be receiving this issue in time for the celebrations of Frank Sinatra’s centenary and it seemed appropriate for us to celebrate it too. The photo on page 3 shows the young Frank meeting Bing for the first time and our front and back covers show Frank with the idol of his youth. There is a thoughtful article “Why Frank not Bing?” and also Martin McQuade has a special report on an important tribute to “The Voice” later in this issue. In addition, there is news of one of the many new books about him in “Books ‘n’ Bing”.

The final Leeds meeting took place on October 4 and Bob Halls has submitted a detailed report on what was a lovely heart-warming occasion. I do hope that UK members will be able to arrange get-togethers in their localities next year. I shall be delighted to help wherever possible.

This issue is packed with a wide variety of articles with hopefully something for everybody. Keith Parkinson looks at King of Jazz, Ken Crossland remembers Perry Como’s tribute to Bing on the Kraft Music Hall and Howard Crosby shares memories of his Uncle Bing. Graham Pascoe updates us on Australian matters and Michael Feinstein has unearthed a mystery. There is a lot of activity to report in “Bing on the Box” but this is in marked contrast to “Keeping Track” as Richard Baker is having to scratch around for details of new releases. It is still possible that Bing Crosby Enterprises will come up with some releases for the Christmas season and if need be we will enclose a separate insert giving details.

I wish all members the compliments of the season and a happy and healthy 2016.

Malcolm Macfarlane - Editor

This 56 page glossy magazine continues to be essential reading for the serious Crosby supporter and order your copy of the magazine now by calling Wig Wiggins on (703) 241-5608 or by e-mailing the Editor.

To see details of earlier issues, click here.

CONTENTS OF THE WINTER ISSUE

Editorial

Secretary / Treasurer’s Report

Ken Barnes 1933-2015

Just One of Those Things

Bing Crosby House

A Mystery Item

Bing on Wikipedia

That Travellin’ Two-Beat

Phil Crosby Jr.

Bix, Bing & Rhapsody in Blue

Memories of Ken Barnes

Bing show coming to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Harper of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Where the Turf Meets the Surf

Priceless memories for $1.50

Once in a Lifetime

Trading Post

Books ‘N’ Bing

Howard Crosby - A Tribute to Bing

Hot Club of Spokane

Celluloid Crosby

High Tor

Hitherto Unknown Bing Films?

Road to Bali in Florida

Bing on eBay

Holiday in Oregon

Why Frank and Not Bing?

One Sweet Letter from You

A Note from Australia

Ken Crossland’s “Crosbyana”

Leeds 2015 – The Last Round-up

Bing on the Box

Once in a While

The Way We Were

Keeping Track