Russ Columbo and the Crooner Mystique
Publisher: Feral House
Published: October 2002
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 272
ISBN-13: 9780922915804
Subjects: Biography: film, television & music; Contemporary popular music; Music; Biography/Autobiography; Biography & Autobiography; Biography / Autobiography; Composers & Musicians - General; Social Science / Popular Culture; Genres & Styles - Folk & Traditional
First sentence: Russ Columbo resembled a lovelorn altar boy as he fell to his knees, folded his hands and gazed heavenward, fully unaware that Bing Crosby was aiming a gun in his direction.
Description: "In the early '30s, Russ Columbo, dubbed the "Vocal Valentino," rivaled Bing Crosby in a widely publicized "Battle of the Baritones." But his looks, charm, and beautiful voice also had a haunted side. Just two days after he attended a Hollywood sneak preview of the movie that gave him his first leading role, Columbo was killed by a wayward bullet - the climax in a chain of mysterious circumstances.

In a narrative full of passion, as well as showbiz personalities like Pola Negri and Carole Lombard, Russ Columbo and the Crooner Mystique combines a remarkable collection of Columbo's letters, diary entries, scrapbook clippings, and other personal effects - all woven with an intimate biography that pleads the case for romantic balladeers."--BOOK JACKET.