For decades, Bing Crosby’s unmistakable voice has been associated with the joy of Christmas. His iconic version of “White Christmas” has become a national treasure. Crosby and David Bowie cooperated on a performance of “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” barely one month before his death in 1977.
Though this version is a classic, few people know the complicated story that led to the cooperation. David Bowie, it turns out, despised the song and only performed with Crosby for one reason.
When we hear the term “Christmas,” we all have different ideas. Though everyone celebrates Christmas in various ways and under different circumstances, the most important thing is that we all remember one another and help where we can.
This time of year is unique because it allows us to unite and celebrate regardless of our differences. It is a time to be generous, compassionate, and thankful. Let us recall the actual meaning of Christmas and keep that attitude with us all year.
Christmas is a season of giving involving more than presents. It is also a moment to express gratitude and affection for your friends and family. What better way to accomplish that other than music? There have been several Christmas songs that have become classics over the years. Some performers have achieved career highs as a result of their Christmas recordings.
One of these performers is Bing Crosby. His “White Christmas” performance made him famous over the holiday season. The song was recorded in 1942 and became an instant international success. It has sold over 50 million copies, making it the best-selling Christmas song of all time. So, if you want to show your loved ones how much you care this holiday season, go no further than a classic Christmas song.
Crosby’s Christmas TV specials were famous, and his final one in 1977 was no different. Using David Bowie’s abilities, the British musician went on the show to perform the classic “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” with Crosby. Many people consider this special one of the finest Christmas performances ever.
The backstory of how Bing Crosby and David Bowie came to work together on Crosby’s Christmas Special is far more intriguing than one may assume.
While the footage of them standing next to each other in the studio appears warm and friendly, Bowie was less than thrilled at first. However, the two collaborated to create a timeless masterpiece that many adored for years. One thing is sure: the result is one of the best Christmas songs of all time!
Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas authors stated in 2014 that David Bowie declined to sing the original song, The Little Drummer Boy, alongside Crosby. “‘I’m not going to perform that song,’ he remarked. I despise that song. ‘I’m doing this performance because my mother adores Bing Crosby,”.
Grossman and Kohan devised a counter-melody for Bowie to sing along with Crosby when he performed Little Drummer Boy to get him to join.
The creators of Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas also spoke about Bowie and Crosby’s one-hour refining of the song “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”. When the two initially met, they didn’t get along. Crosby was unimpressed when he first saw Bowie.
“The doors opened, and David stepped in with his wife,” Crosby’s daughter, Mary, recounted. They wore full-length mink coats, matching full makeup, and bright red hair. “Oh my gosh,” we were thinking.
In September 1977, Bing Crosby and David Bowie recorded “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.” Crosby died one month later after a heart attack. The world grieved the loss of the great singer and performer, and his Christmas special aired shortly after his death.
Listen to the lovely tune down below. Please share this post on Facebook with your friends and family, and prepare for Christmas!
