In 1977, a seemingly unlikely musical pairing brought together two iconic figures from different generations and musical worlds: David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Their collaboration on "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" for Crosby's Christmas television special became a memorable moment in music history. The song combined the traditional Christmas carol "The Little Drummer Boy" with a newly composed counterpoint, "Peace on Earth," specifically written
for their duet. This recording, initially part of a TV special, would later be released as a single, achieving significant commercial success and becoming a perennial holiday favorite.
The Genesis of a Duet
The recording of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" took place on September 11, 1977, for *Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas* television special. The scene featured Bowie and Crosby discussing their family Christmas plans before launching into the song. Bowie's appearance on the show was described as an "unreal" event, especially given that he was, at the time, actively working to normalize his career. Bowie himself later admitted that his primary motivation for participating was that he knew his mother was a fan of Crosby. The producer, Buz Kohan, was uncertain if Crosby was fully aware of Bowie's stature, but colleague Ian Fraser believed Crosby was well-informed, noting that if Crosby didn't know, his children certainly would have.
Initially, Bowie expressed reluctance to sing "The Little Drummer Boy." According to Fraser, Bowie stated, "I hate this song. Is there something else I can sing?" This led Fraser, along with Kohan and Larry Grossman, to quickly compose "Peace on Earth" as a counterpoint. The arrangement had Crosby singing the familiar "Little Drummer Boy" melody, while Bowie performed the new "Peace on Earth" lyrics. Remarkably, the duo reportedly recorded their parts less than an hour after rehearsing the new composition, highlighting the spontaneity and efficiency of the session.
Immediate Impact and Posthumous Release
Just days after the recording session, Bing Crosby shared his positive impressions of Bowie, describing him as "a clean-cut kid and a real asset to the show. He sings well, has a great voice and reads lines well." Tragically, Crosby passed away on October 14, 1977, approximately five weeks after the television special was filmed. The special aired in the United States on November 30, 1977, and in the United Kingdom on December 24, 1977, allowing audiences to witness this unique collaboration shortly after Crosby's death.
For several years following its initial broadcast, the song was primarily available as a bootleg single, often paired with Bowie's song "Heroes," which he also performed during the TV special. It wasn't until 1982 that Bowie's record label, RCA Records, officially released the recording as a single. This official release included the original dialogue from the television special and featured "Fantastic Voyage" from Bowie's album *Lodger* as the B-side. Bowie was reportedly displeased with this release, an action that further strained his already tense relationship with RCA, ultimately leading to his departure from the label shortly thereafter. His subsequent album, *Let's Dance*, was released through EMI.
Enduring Legacy and Commercial Success
Despite Bowie's initial reservations and his later dissatisfaction with RCA's handling of the single, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" proved to be a significant commercial success. It debuted on the British charts in November 1982 and quickly climbed to number three, boosted by the release of a 12-inch picture disc. The single became one of Bowie's fastest-selling, moving over 250,000 copies within its first month and earning a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry. Estimates suggest the single sold approximately 445,424 copies in the UK, making it one of Bowie's biggest hits in his home country.
Beyond its initial chart performance, the song has cemented its place as a holiday staple. It has become a permanent fixture on British Christmas compilation albums, and the original television special scene is frequently replayed during the holiday season. In the United States and Canada, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" is a consistently played song on radio stations during the Christmas period. Its enduring popularity is further evidenced by various re-releases, including a multimedia CD in 1995 that featured both the music video and audio, and a limited-edition red vinyl seven-inch release in 2010. The single continues to re-enter American and European charts during the Christmas season, demonstrating its lasting appeal and the unique impact of this cross-generational collaboration.
