LA JOLLA, CALIF. — JOLLA, Calif. -- Bob Crosby, the popular swing-era bandleader and younger brother of singer Bing Crosby, died Tuesday of cancer.
The 79-year-old singer led big bands from 1935 to 1942 and started an eight-piece band-within-the-band, the Bob Cats, during that time. He sang but didn't play an instrument.
Mr. Crosby's bands were known for swing and Dixieland sounds, and the Bob Cats' hit records included, "Big Noise That Blew In From Winnetka," "South Rampart Street Parade" and "March of the Bobcats."