David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Timeless Duet: “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy

In an unexpected pairing, Bing Crosby, a legendary star from Hollywood’s golden era, teamed up with the avant-garde David Bowie to perform the beautiful Christmas medley “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.” Their duet, recorded in 1977, remains one of the most memorable holiday performances to date.

The performance begins with a lighthearted comedic exchange before transitioning into a heartfelt rendition of “Little Drummer Boy.” Bowie’s soaring tenor voice takes the lead, complemented by Crosby’s deep and smooth baritone. As the medley evolves, Bowie introduces “Peace on Earth,” singing its lyrics while Crosby sticks to “Little Drummer Boy.” The intertwining melodies create a unique harmony that feels both natural and timeless.

This iconic duet recently gained renewed attention with its inclusion in Bing Crosby’s Christmas Gems. Fans can revisit the magic by watching the video, which captures the duo’s extraordinary chemistry.

The Story Behind the Collaboration

The pairing of Bowie and Crosby was as unconventional as it was iconic. Bowie, ever the trailblazer, arrived at the taping of Crosby’s TV Christmas special with his wife, Angie, sporting bold red hair and dramatic makeup. Nathaniel Crosby, Bing’s son, recalled the striking contrast between the two stars, sharing that producers even asked Bowie to tone down his appearance by removing his lipstick and earring.

Bowie continued to defy expectations during rehearsals. Initially, Crosby’s music directors, Ian Fraser and Larry Grossman, had arranged a straightforward rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” for the duo. But Bowie wasn’t impressed. Fraser later shared, “Bowie said, ‘I hate this song. Can I sing something else?'”

With time running out, Fraser, Grossman, and scriptwriter Buz Kohan quickly composed “Peace on Earth” to complement “Little Drummer Boy.” In just over an hour, they crafted a fresh arrangement that satisfied Bowie. The pair then recorded the duet, nailing it in a single take despite the challenges of recording directly to tape.

Crosby, ever the consummate professional, embraced the new arrangement and delivered a flawless performance that merged seamlessly with Bowie’s distinctive style.

A Legacy of Christmas Magic

The duet went on to reach number three on the UK charts and became one of Bowie’s most beloved hits. Tragically, Bing Crosby passed away from a heart attack just a month after the recording session.

The Washington Post later described the collaboration as “one of the most successful Christmas music collaborations in history.” Decades later, the duet continues to enchant audiences, embodying the spirit of holiday harmony and the magic of unlikely partnerships.