Auction offers glimpse into Bing Crosby’s glamorous Hollywood life

By Dean Murray

An auction offers a glimpse into the Hollywood glamour of Bing Crosby and his wife, Kathryn.

The sale will see personal luxury items from the private collection of the high-profile couple.

Drawn from the Crosby family’s private holdings, the New York Sotheby’s event features an array of treasures amassed over decades—from fine art and collectibles that reflect the couple’s shared life, travels, and passions.

Highlights include Fabergé pieces, portrait paintings and Kathryn's stylish wedding suit.

A notable lot is the piano that would form the centerpiece of the Crosby household, which is estimated to fetch $20,000 - $30,000.

The piano was used in the 1956 film "High Society" for the musical number "Now You Has Jazz" composed by Cole Porter and sung by Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. It was later purchased by Bing and Kathryn for their Hillsborough home.

The couple's son Harry Crosby said: "We grew up with that piano—taking lessons and rehearsing there. It was truly the centerpiece of the house, always alive with music. Dad would have incredible musicians come up and perform—Joey Bushkin, among many others—and it was played by all sorts of artists over the years."

The Swinging on a Star: The Private Collection of Kathryn and Bing Crosby auction will be held on December 18.

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