Today, I’d like to introduce you to an unexpected duo: Bing Crosby, a renowned old-time star, joined forces with the young David Bowie to deliver a mesmerizing rendition of the beautiful Christmas song “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.”
After a short comedy skit, the pair captivated the audience with a slow-burning rendition of “Little Drummer Boy,” initially harmonizing before Bowie’s voice soared, taking on the lead tenor vocal, while Crosby delivered a resonant baritone part.
During this particular part of the song, Bowie sang the lyrics from “Peace On Earth” while Crosby intertwined lyrics from “Little Drummer Boy,” creating an intriguing mashup that blent seamlessly. This extraordinary collaboration was recorded way back in 1977 but has recently gained widespread attention since its release this year as part of the compilation album, “Bing Crosby’s Christmas Gems.” You can witness their remarkable duet in the video provided below.
Since the duet was shared on Bing Crosby’s YouTube channel in Oct 2022, it has amassed over 6 million views and thousands of compliments from viewers all around the world.
One commented, “This song is one of the MOST meaningful and beautiful Christmas Songs ever recorded (especially for today’s world!). Hard to believe that Bing & David; two of the GREATEST Singers of all time sung this beautiful tune together. Don’t know why the Radio Stations don’t play this more and less of “Last Christmas”, a worn out song repeated by every singer that can form a tune.”
Another continued, “This is my favorite Christmas song..always makes me cry!! This collaboration is so beautiful not just because of these two magical musicians but the essence of the moment. To know that Bing was in the last moments of his life brings a deeper sense of the need for music to be shared and colorations because it renews life into the heart!”