Five essential recordings, as recommended by Arne Fogel, host of "The Bing Shift" on KBEM (8 p.m. Sun., 88.5 FM):
1 "Just One More Chance" (1931): The first song Crosby ever sang on his own radio show. Lots of passion, drama and the early "gimmicks" ("boo-boo-boo," whistling, etc.).
2 "Some of These Days" (1932): Crosby's jazz chops shine. Great swing, great drive and one of the most musically complex early scat vocals on record. All improvised on the spot.
3 "The Bing Crosby CBS Radio Recordings 1954-56": This seven-disc set reveals his mastery as one of the deepest and most satisfying interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
4 "Symphony" (1945): A faultless, moving performance, displaying a masterful touch with dynamics, emotion, musicianship and control.
5 "Seasons" (1977): His final album was a poignant last hurrah, featuring "September Song," "Yesterday When I Was Young" and "Autumn in New York."
