The Christmas duet "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy," featuring David Bowie and Bing Crosby, has a notable commercial history that spans from its initial television broadcast to its enduring presence as a holiday classic. Recorded in 1977 for Crosby's Christmas special, the song's path to becoming a widely recognized and commercially successful single was somewhat unconventional, marked by bootleg releases, an official launch, and continued popularity
decades later.
Early Availability and Official Release
Following its debut on *Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas* in late 1977, the unique collaboration between David Bowie and Bing Crosby quickly garnered attention. For several years, the song was not officially available as a commercial single. Instead, it circulated primarily as a bootleg recording, often found on unofficial releases with Bowie's other performance from the special, "Heroes," on the B-side. This underground popularity hinted at the demand for the track long before its formal distribution.
It wasn't until 1982 that RCA Records, Bowie's label at the time, decided to release the recording as an official single. This release included the spoken dialogue between Bowie and Crosby from the television special, adding to its authenticity. The B-side of the single featured "Fantastic Voyage," a track from Bowie's 1979 album *Lodger*. This decision by RCA, however, was not met with enthusiasm by Bowie, further exacerbating his already strained relationship with the label and contributing to his eventual departure. Despite Bowie's personal feelings about the release, it marked the beginning of the song's significant commercial journey.
Chart Performance and Sales Milestones
Upon its official release in November 1982, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" quickly made an impact on the charts, particularly in the United Kingdom. The single debuted strongly and ascended to number three on the UK charts. Its commercial momentum was further amplified by the release of a 12-inch picture disc, a popular format at the time that often appealed to collectors and fans. The song became one of Bowie's fastest-selling singles, achieving sales of over 250,000 copies within its first month.
This rapid success led to the single being certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. Overall, it is estimated that "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" sold approximately 445,424 copies in the UK, solidifying its position as one of Bowie's most successful singles in his home country. Its strong performance demonstrated the widespread appeal of the duet, transcending the individual fan bases of both artists.
Enduring Holiday Presence
The commercial life of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" did not end with its initial chart run. The song has since become a permanent fixture on British Christmas compilation albums, ensuring its continued presence in holiday music collections. In the United States and Canada, it has evolved into a consistently played track on radio stations during the Christmas season, becoming an integral part of the holiday soundscape. The original television special scene is also frequently re-aired, further cementing the song's cultural relevance.
Its lasting appeal is also evident in subsequent re-releases and special editions. In 1995, Oglio Records issued a multimedia CD that included both the music video and the full audio recording. More recently, in 2010, Collector's Choice Music released a limited-edition red vinyl seven-inch version in the United States, featuring a 1953 duet of Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald on "White Christmas" as its B-side. Only two thousand copies of this special edition were produced. The single continues to re-enter American and European charts during the Christmas period, underscoring its enduring commercial viability and status as a beloved holiday classic.
