When the producers of Bing Crosby's holiday show invited David Bowie to sing "Little Drummer Boy" with Crosby, Bowie refused because he didn't think the song was right for him. Hours before broadcast, the composers changed the melody and added a "peace on earth" lyric to balance out the dreaded "pa rumpa pum pum."
The result is this perfect oddity. It sounds terrific and watching it is even better. Ziggy Stardust meets Bob Wallace.
Bowie was 30 at the time and Crosby was 73. They recorded the duet on Sept. 11, 1977 for Crosby's "Merrie Olde Christmas" TV special.
Have a restful, healthy, artful, culture-filled holiday season!
Bing Crosby and David Bowie Sing "Little Drummer Boy"