Watch Jimmy Van Heusen: Swingin' with Frank and Bing

Jimmy Van Heusen: Swingin' with Frank and Bing is a musical tribute to the great songwriter James Van Heusen, who was known for his partnership with legendary singers Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby during the golden age of swing music. This hour-long show, which originally aired on PBS in 2014, features a talented ensemble cast performing some of Van Heusen's most beloved songs, including "Come Fly With Me," "Moonlight Becomes You," and "Love and Marriage."

The show is narrated by acclaimed jazz singer and broadcaster Jon Hendricks, who shares fascinating stories and personal anecdotes about Van Heusen's life and career. Born Edward Chester Babcock in Syracuse, New York in 1913, Van Heusen began his musical journey as a pianist in a local band before relocating to New York City to pursue songwriting. He adopted the name Jimmy Van Heusen after the popular brand of dress shirts, and soon found success writing for Broadway musicals and Hollywood films.

But Van Heusen's greatest collaborators were undoubtedly Sinatra and Crosby, who both recorded dozens of his songs over the years. Sinatra referred to Van Heusen as his "favorite composer," and the two men formed a close friendship that lasted until Van Heusen's death in 1990. Crosby was also a frequent collaborator, and his recording of "Swinging on a Star" won Van Heusen an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1944.

The performances in Jimmy Van Heusen: Swingin' with Frank and Bing are top-notch, with each singer bringing a unique style and interpretation to the songs. Vocalist Carmen Bradford, best known for her work with the Count Basie Orchestra, delivers a sultry rendition of "Imagination," while Broadway star Karrin Allyson brings a jazzy energy to "It Could Happen to You." Saxophonist Harry Allen leads the instrumental ensemble through swinging arrangements of Van Heusen classics like "All the Way" and "Come Dance With Me."

But the highlight of the show is undoubtedly the performances by the two "Rat Pack" legends themselves. Through archival footage and audio recordings, viewers are treated to classic renditions of Van Heusen hits like "My Kind of Town" and "Pennies From Heaven" by Sinatra and Crosby. It's a pleasure to see these iconic performers in their prime, and to hear their voices as they were meant to be heard.

Overall, Jimmy Van Heusen: Swingin' with Frank and Bing is a must-see for fans of swing music and classic Hollywood musicals. The show is a loving tribute to one of the genre's greatest songwriters, and features some of the finest musicians and vocalists of our time. Whether you're a longtime fan of Van Heusen's music, or you're discovering it for the first time, this show is sure to leave you tapping your feet and humming along to the timeless melodies.