Dont know about Bing, but I heard that Spencer Tracy was an Alcoholic who had a thing for Katherine Hepburn, although they never did anything about it due to him being Catholic and married.

I guess if you dig deep enough, you can get dirt on just about every person out there, but most people are not worth the effort.

I loved Bing Crosby, his movies, his songs....I hope this isn't truth cause this would certainly put a bad twist on a much beloved entertainer. At any rate, sometimes some of the pitfalls of being famous, be it drugs, alcohol or spouse beating, usually happens to a lot of entertainers and that's the sad part of it. I know it happens to regular people too, the drugs, etc., but you would think with all the money and fame, these people would get their lives right.

I also hope it's not true. I tried a search but nothing. Nonetheless, Lady Dove is sticking to her guns on this one.

Today "problems" are more openly discussed (Also, the advent of support groups and treatment programs). Lady Dove notes had Betty Ford clinics existed back in the day … Judy Garland, etc… A shame.

Furthermore, I imagine back then the social stigma that attaches to hitting one's spouse or children was not as sever as today.

I'm afraid it is true... Bing also had a problem with alcohol and abused his wife and kids. Now, I hope I am wrong, but this is what my mom told me years ago when she read it in a magazine. If I'm wrong PLEASE tell me, because I really hope I am.

but, I still don't have Christmas without Bing.. I just don't know how.

bing crosby's first wife was a chronic alcoholic according to a number of sources.   his son gary wrote a book called going my own way in which he claimed he and the other children of that first marriage suffered years of physical and emotional abuse.   two of them killed themselves btw.  other family members (including the 4th son of his first marriage) deny it.   who know? 

I've heard, many times, that Bing abused his wife. Doesn't mean he wasn't a damn fine singer/artist though...maybe unfortunately? Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were lovers for most of their lives, up until Tracy's death. Tracy was married, however, and Catholic so he never divorced his wife. There was even a period where Tracy and Hepburn lived in houses next door to each other because the ever enigmantic Kate wanted her own space.

Lady Dove & I watched White Christmas last night. It was wonderful and we wouldn't give up the tradition for the world.

~Merry Christmas~