The Christmas song "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" stands out as a unique holiday classic, not only for its iconic performers, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, but also for its unusual creation. The track seamlessly blends the traditional 1941 carol "The Little Drummer Boy" with a new composition, "Peace on Earth," crafted specifically for the 1977 television special *Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas*. This innovative approach to a Christmas duet
resulted in a song that has resonated with audiences for decades, becoming a staple of the holiday season.
Crafting the Counterpoint
The genesis of "Peace on Earth" was born out of a specific challenge during the production of Bing Crosby's Christmas special. David Bowie, a guest on the show, expressed a strong dislike for "The Little Drummer Boy," reportedly stating, "I hate this song. Is there something else I can sing?" This unexpected objection prompted a quick creative solution from the production team. Songwriters Ian Fraser and Larry Grossman, along with scriptwriter Buz Kohan, collaborated to write a new piece that could serve as a counterpoint to the existing carol.
The result was "Peace on Earth," a melody and set of lyrics designed to be sung simultaneously with "The Little Drummer Boy." This ingenious arrangement allowed Crosby to perform the familiar Christmas carol while Bowie delivered the new, complementary message of peace. The creation of "Peace on Earth" was a testament to the adaptability and talent of the songwriters, who managed to produce a compelling new composition under pressure and within a tight timeframe for the television special.
The Recording Session
The recording session for "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" took place on September 11, 1977. The setting was Bing Crosby's Christmas special, where the two artists were filmed engaging in a brief dialogue about their family Christmas traditions before their musical performance. The actual recording of the duet was remarkably swift. According to reports, Bowie and Crosby laid down their vocals for the combined song less than an hour after rehearsing the newly written "Peace on Earth" section. This efficiency speaks to the professionalism of both artists and the clear vision of the production team.
Bing Crosby himself commented positively on Bowie's contribution shortly after the recording, noting that Bowie was "a clean-cut kid and a real asset to the show. He sings well, has a great voice and reads lines well." This endorsement from the seasoned crooner highlighted the successful integration of Bowie's distinct style into the traditional Christmas special. The recording captured a unique moment in music, blending different eras and genres into a harmonious whole.
From TV Special to Chart Success
While the song was initially created for a television broadcast, its impact extended far beyond the small screen. Following Crosby's death just weeks after the recording, the special gained additional poignancy. For several years, the duet circulated as a bootleg single, often paired with Bowie's performance of "Heroes" from the same special. However, it was RCA Records' official release of the single in 1982 that propelled "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" into mainstream success.
The official single, which included the original dialogue from the TV special, quickly became a hit. It peaked at number three in the United Kingdom and sold an estimated 400,000 copies in Bowie's home country, making it one of his best-selling singles. The song's enduring popularity led to its consistent presence on Christmas compilation albums and frequent radio play during the holiday season in both the U.S. and Canada. The creative decision to compose "Peace on Earth" as a counterpoint not only solved a production dilemma but also resulted in a timeless holiday recording that continues to be cherished.
