David Bowie And Bing Crosby’s Unforgettable Christmas Duet: A Tale Of Two Icons

David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Unforgettable Christmas Duet: A Tale of Two Icons

David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Unforgettable Christmas Duet: A Tale of Two Icons

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David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s Unforgettable Christmas Duet: A Tale of Two Icons

In the annals of Christmas music, few collaborations have captured the imagination and endeared themselves to audiences quite like the unexpected pairing of David Bowie and Bing Crosby. Their iconic 1977 duet of "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth" stands as a timeless holiday classic, bridging generations and musical genres.

The Genesis of an Unlikely Union

The genesis of this unlikely collaboration can be traced back to 1977, when David Bowie was at the height of his fame as the "Thin White Duke." Despite his reputation as a rock and roll icon, Bowie had always harbored a deep admiration for traditional Christmas music. In fact, he had even recorded a Christmas album in 1974, titled "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy."

Around the same time, Bing Crosby, the legendary crooner known for his signature rendition of "White Christmas," was looking to revive his career. He had recently signed with RCA Records and was eager to release a new album that would appeal to a younger audience.

It was producer Gary LeMel who first conceived the idea of pairing Bowie and Crosby on a Christmas duet. LeMel had worked with both artists in the past and believed that their contrasting styles would create a unique and unforgettable sound.

A Christmas Classic is Born

Bowie and Crosby met for the first time in the recording studio in New York City on November 11, 1977. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and musical approaches, they quickly found common ground in their shared love of music and their desire to create something truly special.

The recording session was reportedly filled with laughter and camaraderie. Bowie brought his signature theatrics to the performance, while Crosby’s warm and mellow vocals provided a perfect counterbalance. The result was a seamless blend of rock and roll and traditional Christmas music.

The song opens with Bowie’s haunting rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy," accompanied by a simple piano melody. As the song progresses, Crosby joins in, his voice soaring over the chorus of "Peace on Earth." The two voices intertwine effortlessly, creating a magical and unforgettable moment.

Critical Acclaim and Enduring Legacy

Upon its release in December 1977, the Bowie/Crosby duet was met with widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the unlikely pairing and the unexpected brilliance of the performance. The song quickly became a holiday staple, receiving heavy airplay on radio stations across the country.

In the years since its release, the Bowie/Crosby duet has become an enduring Christmas classic. It has been featured in countless holiday movies and television specials, and has been covered by a wide range of artists, from John Legend to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

A Timeless Collaboration

The David Bowie and Bing Crosby Christmas duet stands as a testament to the power of music to bridge generations and musical genres. It is a timeless collaboration that continues to bring joy and inspiration to audiences around the world during the holiday season.

Beyond its musical merits, the song also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing the unexpected and seeking out collaborations that might seem unconventional at first glance. As David Bowie once said, "I don’t think there’s any point in being on earth if you’re going to play it safe."

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

• During the recording session, David Bowie reportedly insisted on wearing his signature eye patch, even though it was Christmas.
• Bing Crosby was so impressed with Bowie’s performance that he reportedly exclaimed, "You’re a hell of a singer, kid!"
• The song was originally intended to be released as a single, but RCA Records decided to hold it back until the following year.
• The music video for the song was directed by David Mallet and features Bowie and Crosby performing in a snow-covered forest.
• The song has been featured in several films and television shows, including "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" and "The Simpsons."

Legacy and Impact

The David Bowie and Bing Crosby Christmas duet has had a profound impact on popular culture. It has helped to popularize Christmas music among rock and roll fans and has inspired countless other collaborations between artists from different musical backgrounds.

The song has also been used to raise awareness for various charities and causes. In 1982, it was released as a benefit single for the Save the Children Fund. In 2018, it was used as the theme song for the BBC’s Children in Need campaign.

Conclusion

The David Bowie and Bing Crosby Christmas duet is a true holiday classic that continues to enchant audiences around the world. It is a timeless collaboration that celebrates the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Closure

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