There’s just something really charming about older songs and videos. It could be the timelessness of the song, the artists, or even Christmas itself. Either way, this one’s a yuletide treat!
It’s David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing “The little drummer boy (Peace on earth)“. So that’s two legends from different genres singing a classic carol for the holidays.
It’s a lovely video.
This was part of “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas”. It’s a narrative film wherein Bing Crosby spends Christmas in England after a distant relative by the name of Sir Percival Crosby invites him and his family over for Christmas. It’s all about family!
Unfortunately, Bing passed away before it could be released so he never got to see it. Which means that this little act is pretty special.
Knock knock, Mr. Crosby!
Bing opens the door and there in the Christmas cold stands a young David Bowie. The exchange is light but memorable.
Bowie- “Hello, are you the new butler?”
Bing- “It’s been a long time since I’ve been the new anything.”
Bowie- “Are you related to Sir Percival?
Bing- “Well distantly.”
Bowie- “Oh you’re not the poor relation from America?”
Bing- “Gee news sure travels fast doesn’t it? I’m Bing.”
Crosby is a gentleman and doesn’t take offense at Bowie’s cheeky remark.
Bowie- “You’re the one who sings, right?”
Bing- “Well, right or wrong, I sing either way.”
It’s the kind of conversation you no longer hear nowadays. It’s classic gentlemanly banter. The chat turns to Christmas and David mentions to Bing how his six year old son loves Christmas.
Mr. Crosby asks if the Bowies observe and follow the traditions associated with Christmas.
Bowie answers,
“Oh yeah most of them really, presents, tree, decorations, agents sliding down the chimney.”
Bing’s reaction is classic, eliciting a response from David.
“I was just seeing if you’re paying attention.”
It’s a really witty exchange!
But then they start singing. And oh, those voices. See, David and Bing are from opposite ends of the industry. If you lived during that era, you would know why. So to see them come together and sing was a real surprise. Don’t forget this was 1977.
Listen!
“Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pumA new born king to see
Pa rum pum pum pumOur finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pumTo lay before the king
Pa rum pum pum pum,”
Listen to the croon and tune of these two in the video below!
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