Bob Crosby, Bing's younger brother, often found himself in the odd position of being the least important member of his own orchestra. An okay singer, Crosby was much more important as the leader of a memorable swing band that found its own style by looking backwards to the 1920s. To Crosby's credit, he seemed aware of his predicament and not uncomfortable at allocating most of the solo space to his talented sidemen, featuring them with his big band and his Bobcats, the latter a hot Dixieland band taken out of his orchestra. After stints with Anson Weeks in 1932 and the Dorsey Brothers' orchestra during 1934-1935, Crosby was voted the frontman of a new big band that was formed out of the remains of Ben Pollack's orchestra. The 1935-1942 period was Crosby's heyday, with his band featuring such classic soloists as Yank Lawson, Billy Butterfield, Eddie Miller, Matty Matlock, Irving Fazola, Joe Sullivan, Bob Zurke, Jess Stacy, and Muggsy Spanier. During an era when swing was the thing and New Orleans jazz was considered by many to be ancient history, Crosby's crew led the way to the eventual New Orleans revival. Such classic recordings as "South Rampart Street Parade" and "What's New" (both composed by bassist Bob Haggart) along with the many Dixieland stomps kept the band quite popular. The orchestra broke up in late 1942, Crosby served in the Marines during 1944-1945, and then spent the rest of his life in a variety of activities, often bringing back versions of the Bobcats for special concerts and recordings, taking an occasional vocal but mostly letting his sidemen play. Some of Crosby's many Decca recordings are currently available. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide