Bing Crosby (born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., 1903–1977) was an American singer and actor whose smooth baritone and relaxed, intimate vocal style made him one of the most influential popular entertainers of the 20th century. Emerging from vaudeville and radio in the 1920s and 1930s, he became a leading figure in traditional pop, jazz-influenced popular song, and film musicals, noted for his phrasing, use of microphone, and conversational delivery. Crosby enjoyed a prolific recording, radio, and film career across several decades, shaping standards in popular song and pioneering studio and broadcast recording techniques that influenced later popular and jazz vocalists.