- Bing and sons on the ranch.
Introduction:
Bing Crosby’s Other Life
Most of us are not aware that the history of Nevada includes a long established relationship to Hollywood. The deserts that abound throughout the state have attracted filmmakers since the early 1900s for their beauty and “old West” quality. Even today the television and movie industry looks to locations in Nevada as a backdrop for their stories.
Las Vegas has also become a playground for countless celebrities, and casino showroom headliners were well-known names in the entertainment business. These performers were not movie stars per se, but singers, dancers, and musicians.
A number of film stars from the 1930s and ’40s visited Nevada, and some even bought homes there, but none of them ever became a “true Nevadan” by local standards, except Bing Crosby, who purchased large cattle ranches in the northern part of the state, near Elko. Bing’s acceptance by the residents was probably because of his casual attitude towards his own celebrity status and willingness to “fit in” with his surroundings. Uncle Bing was captivated by the land and people of Nevada. He was once quoted as saying “I’m in love with these folks,” and that affection was returned many times over the years.