News Article

Carolyn Schneider, the niece of legendary entertainer and Gonzaga University alumnus Bing Crosby, will sign copies of and sell her new book titled, “Me and Uncle Bing” from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 17 on the main floor of the Crosby Student Center at Gonzaga.

The book signing, which is free and open to the public, will coincide with the annual Gonzaga University alumni reunion, which runs from June 16-18 on the Gonzaga campus. Schneider is the daughter of Bing’s sister Mary Rose. Schneider was born in Olympia, Wash., but grew up in Northern California and now lives in Las Vegas with her husband. The book was self-published earlier this year through Xlibris Publishers. Schneider is not a Gonzaga alumna.

In the interest of keeping memories of Bing alive, Schneider presents in the book a journal of sorts, recounting tales of the 40-year bond that existed between them. The author takes readers to Los Angeles during the peak of Bing’s career and she gives them a taste of Hollywood life and show business. Time spent with Bing and his family, including the rest of the Crosby clan, helps set the stage for Schneider’s future.

To the delight of Bing’s fans, the book includes more than 100 photos, many from the private collections of the Crosby family. Schneider extends much credit to Bing for the positive influence he had with her career and personal life. Vacation trips, and attending his radio, TV and movie performances all were part of the experiences she had with the man she called “Uncle Bing.”

Schneider said the idea of publishing came to her later in life, although she had a brief acting career and taught grade school for three years, most of her working years involved retail sales. She owned and operated a small shop in Albuquerque, N.M., dealing in Native American arts and crafts. Upon retirement, the author became interested in writing. Since writing this book, Schneider has published articles in the Las Vegas Sentinel and other publications.

“Since the book has been written, I have received wonderful reviews and comments about it,” Schneider said. “Mostly what people seem to like is the fact that it is one of the few things about Bing that has been written by a family member.”