group of musicians who had played under Harris. According to Benny writer Milt Josefsberg, the issue was budget. Because radio had strong competition from TV, the program budget had to be reduced, and so Bob replaced Phil. Prior to joining Benny on the radio, Crosby, who was based on the east coast, would often play with Benny during Benny's live New York appearances, and he was seen frequently throughout the 1950s on Benny's television series. As a performer, Crosby had tremendous charisma and wit combined with a laid-back persona. He was able to swap jokes competently with Benny, including humorous references to his brother Bing's wealth and his string of losing racehorses. An exchange during one of the popular Christmas programs ran thus: Crosby muses to Jack that he's bought gifts for everyone but band member Frank Remley. When Jack suggests "a cordial, like a bottle of Drambuie", Crosby counters that Drambuie is an after-dinner drink and adds, alluding to Remley's penchant for alcohol, that "Remley never quite makes it to after dinner". Television Bob Crosby guest-starred in the television series The Gisele MacKenzie Show. He also starred in his own afternoon variety show, The Bob Crosby show, that aired from 1953 to 1957. He also fronted a TV program in Australia in the 1960s. He was one of two featured singers (the other being Dennis Day) in mid-1950s episodes of The Jack Benny Program. Personal life Crosby's first marriage was to Marie Elizabeth Grounitz. They had a daughter, Elizabeth Ann. He married socialite June Kuhn at his home in Spokane on September 22, 1938. They had five children: Christopher, George, Stephen, Cathleen and Junie. Crosby died in La Jolla, California, on March 9, 1993, at 79, from complications of cancer. Awards and honors Crosby received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960, for television (at 6252 Hollywood Boulevard) and radio (at 6313 Hollywood Boulevard). Partial filmography Rhythm on the Roof (1934, short) – Himself Collegiate (1936) – Chorus Boy Paramount Headliner: Bob Crosby and His Orchestra (1938, short) – Orchestra Leader Let's Make Music (1941) – Himself Sis Hopkins (1941) – Jeff Farnsworth Rookies on Parade (1941) – Duke Wilson Abercrombie Had a Zombie (1941, short) – Himself Merry-Go-Roundup (1941, short) – Himself Holiday Inn (1942) – Orchestra Leader (uncredited) Reveille with Beverly (1943) – Himself Presenting Lily Mars (1943) – Himself Don't Hook