"Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" is a unique Christmas song performed as a duet by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic collaboration:
Unlikely Pairing: David Bowie and Bing Crosby's duet was a surprising and unexpected collaboration. Bowie was known for his glam rock and experimental music, while Crosby was a legendary crooner of classic Christmas songs.
Recording Separately: Due to scheduling conflicts, Bowie and Crosby recorded their parts separately. Bowie recorded his vocals in Switzerland, while Crosby recorded his in London. They were then combined in post-production.
Impromptu Harmony: Bowie and Crosby harmonized on "The Little Drummer Boy" without prior rehearsal. Their harmonious rendition was a testament to their musical talent and adaptability.
Added Lyrics: The song "Peace on Earth" was specially written for this duet to complement "The Little Drummer Boy." The lyrics of "Peace on Earth" were written by Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman, and Alan Kohan.
TV Special: The performance of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" was part of Bing Crosby's 1977 Christmas TV special titled "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas." This special is still popular today and is often aired during the holiday season.
Posthumous Release: David Bowie's part in the duet was released as a single in 1982, five years after the original recording. This posthumous release gained popularity, becoming a cherished Christmas classic.
Visual Contrast: In the TV special, Bowie and Crosby appear visually contrasting. Bowie, known for his eccentric fashion sense, wore a colorful cardigan, while Crosby maintained his classic, timeless look in a suit.
Last Christmas Special for Crosby: Sadly, this was Bing Crosby's last Christmas special before his death in October 1977. The duet with Bowie became one of the memorable moments of his career.
"Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" remains a touching and unexpected musical collaboration that continues to be enjoyed by generations during the holiday season.