We have a collection of 8 arrangements for Pentatonix - Little Drummer Boy
How did a 1941 Christmas carol become a viral a cappella sensation in the 21st century? Learn!
"The Little Drummer Boy" is a popular Christmas song that has been covered by numerous artists and enjoyed by audiences around the world. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Origin and Composition: "The Little Drummer Boy" was written by American composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. The song was originally titled "Carol of the Drum." Davis composed the song based on a Czech carol melody and wrote the lyrics in English.
Inspiration: According to Davis, she was inspired to write the song after reading a French story about a young boy who plays his drum for the infant Jesus. This concept of a humble gift of music and the drummer's devotion formed the basis of the song's narrative.
Popularization: The song's first recorded version was by the Trapp Family Singers, a musical group of Austrian singers who were the real-life inspiration for "The Sound of Music." Their rendition helped popularize the song in the United States.
Notable Covers: Over the years, "The Little Drummer Boy" has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Bing Crosby and David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, Pentatonix, and many more. The duet between David Bowie and Bing Crosby, which aired on a 1977 Christmas television special, is particularly famous.
Drumming Imagery: The song's lyrics emphasize the drummer boy's humble gift of playing his drum for the newborn Jesus. The sound of the drum is portrayed as a gift from the heart, with the little drummer boy using his musical talent to honor the infant Jesus.
Religious Themes: The song carries religious themes of offering what one has in the service of a higher power, reflecting the sentiment of the Christmas story. It showcases the idea that even the simplest of offerings can be meaningful and valuable.
Modern Adaptations: In addition to traditional renditions, the song has also been adapted and reinterpreted in various ways, including instrumental versions and arrangements that incorporate different musical styles, such as jazz, rock, and classical.
Popularity and Legacy: "The Little Drummer Boy" remains a beloved holiday classic, played frequently during the Christmas season. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place in the canon of Christmas music.
Animated Specials: The song's story and themes have been adapted into several animated specials over the years, with various artistic interpretations of the narrative.
Charitable Contributions: Various artists who have covered the song have sometimes used their renditions to raise funds for charitable causes during the holiday season.
"The Little Drummer Boy" continues to capture the spirit of the holiday season through its simple yet meaningful message of giving and devotion.