In 1977, a classic Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy,” received a new twist when David Bowie and Bing Crosby collaborated on the iconic “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” duet. The unexpected pairing came about during Crosby’s Christmas special, where the two musicians met and performed the unique rendition.
The original carol, “Carol of the Drum,” dates back to 1941 and was based on a Czech carol. The Trapp Family Singers popularized it in 1951, propelling it into Christmas music stardom. Bowie, known for his unconventional music style, was seeking to normalize his career at the time of the collaboration with Crosby.
Despite Bowie’s initial dislike for “The Little Drummer Boy,” he and Crosby managed to create a harmonious blend in a short amount of time. The collaboration was not love at first sight, as Crosby’s children recalled the initial meeting between their father and Bowie, highlighting the transformation that occurred during their performance.
Tragically, Crosby passed away from a heart attack just five weeks after recording with Bowie. The duo’s performance aired posthumously, adding a poignant touch to their rendition. Bowie considered the experience with Crosby as one of his most bizarre yet memorable moments in his career.
The producers of the Christmas special, Gary Smith and Dwight Hemion, strategically paired Crosby and Bowie to appeal to a wide audience. The duet’s popularity soared after MTV featured it, leading to an official release in 1982. Despite some initial disagreements over the release, the song became a seasonal favorite for many.
Even after the taping, Crosby praised Bowie as a talented and clean-cut individual. The legacy of the “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” duet continues to inspire new artistic interpretations, such as tributes by Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Jason Segel, Jack Black, and Ali Smith.
The unique collaboration between Bowie and Crosby remains a timeless and beloved piece of Christmas music history.
You can watch the full “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” special to experience the magic of their duet.