When Bowie Met Bing: A Nostalgic Journey Back to That Unforgettable Christmas Duet
Once upon a chilly Christmas in 1977, a classic holiday tune “Little Drummer Boy” got a fashionable makeover when two music legends, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, came together for a one-of-a-kind performance. This wasn’t just a typical collaboration; it was a spectacular fusion of styles, eras, and personalities. The story behind this iconic duet is as engaging as the melody that still warms our hearts every holiday season.
The duet blossomed on the set of “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas,” an occasion that brought the rock ‘n’ roll chameleon David Bowie to the cozy, traditional domain of Bing Crosby. What led Bowie to this collaboration was not a meticulously planned career move but a simple, heartwarming reason: his mother’s love for Bing Crosby. Bowie was ready to step into this nostalgic realm for the love of his mom, although not without his reservations.
Initially, Bowie was opposed to singing “Little Drummer Boy”, The original idea was to have Bowie and Crosby perform “Little Drummer Boy” together, a proposal that Bowie was not quite keen on. In a somewhat rebellious yet charming stance, he remarked, “I don’t like that song, but I’m doing this show because my mother loves Bing Crosby!”
The writers, Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, crafted a counter-melody to make Bowie happy, aptly titled “Peace on Earth.” This new arrangement allowed Bowie and Crosby to maintain their individual styles while harmonizing beautifully together. The solution was not only accepted but loved by Bowie, who was 30 at the time, creating a memorable piece with 73-year-old Crosby.
The day of the recording was filled with delightful surprises and a bit of unease, especially when Bowie arrived on set. According to Crosby’s daughter Mary, Bowie and his wife made a grand entrance in full-length mink coats, matching makeup, and fiery red hair. There was a brief period of nervousness, but as Bowie and Crosby began to appreciate each other’s musical genius, the initial apprehension melted away into a shared enthusiasm for the magical melody they were about to create.
As the piano chords filled the room, the unlikely duo found a common ground in their passion for music. The interplay between Bowie’s contemporary vibes and Crosby’s classic croon added a unique flavor to the familiar tune of “Little Drummer Boy,” intertwined with the fresh resonance of “Peace on Earth.” The remarkable session was recorded on September 11, 1977, and it was more than just a musical collaboration; it was a blend of generations, a meeting of minds, and a heartwarming tribute to the holiday spirit.
The camaraderie and mutual respect between Bowie and Crosby were palpable as they exchanged playful banter about their favorite musicians and the evolving music scene. Bowie’s jest about appreciating old-timers like John Lennon and Harry Nilsson, and Crosby’s tongue-in-cheek response, added a dash of humor to the nostalgic atmosphere.
The endearing interaction between the two music maestros, the sweet backstories, and the touching rendition of a holiday classic, all wrapped up in a cozy Christmas setting, is a cherished memory for many who lived through the golden era of the 70s and 80s. As the video rolls, the tender voices of Bowie and Crosby remind us of a simpler time, evoking a beautiful blend of nostalgia and joy.
Every year as Christmas rolls around, the Bowie-Crosby duet finds its way back into our hearts, reminding us of that magical day when two worlds collided to create a timeless musical gift. And as we reminisce about that memorable encounter, we are transported back to a time where music bridged gaps, warmed hearts, and created unforgettable memories.
So, as you watch and share the remarkable video, take a moment to celebrate the remarkable journey of Bowie and Bing, and the enduring magic of their Christmas duet.
Behind-the-Scenes of Bing & Bowie’s ‘Little Drummer Boy
For a closer look into the behind-the-scenes, a segment in the PBS documentary “American Masters: Bing Crosby Rediscovered” delves deeper, also featured in a Rolling Stone’s exclusive clip, shedding light on the creative process and the rapport between Bowie and Crosby, detailing the magic and challenges of bringing together two generational legends for a rare, enchanting Christmas TV moment in 1977.
