The First Crooners, Volume 2: 1930-1934
In the early 1930s crooning became something of a rage, especially with women. Crooners like Bing Crosby, Rudy Vallee and Russ Columbo led the way and set a style that influenced other singers of the time. Radio and talking pictures were reaching a mass audience and creating new stars overnight. Rudy Vallee, in particular, became a sensation on early radio. Both Crosby and Columbo gained celebrity from early film appearances.While the women swooned over crooners, their men often found this intimate, romantic type of singing on the effeminate side. After all, this was an age where men were men and male vocalists were expected to belt out songs with a manly voice. Crooning was even spoofed in songs likeLearn To Croon, written and sung by Sam Coslow, andBoo Boo Booby Crosby himself. Still, nothing would turn back the trend and crooning was here to stay, at least for another two decades.Although the vocalists in this collection had their start in the 1920s, they made a smooth transition to the romantic style of the early 1930's.Good Night Sweetheart,Love Is The Sweetest ThingandTry A Little Tendernessrepresent period classics which were ready made for crooners.