The iconic 1977 Christmas duet between rock legend David Bowie and traditional crooner Bing Crosby nearly did not happen. A significant disagreement over the song choice almost led Bowie to walk away from the television special, despite his personal motivation for participating.
Key Takeaways
- David Bowie initially refused to sing "Little Drummer Boy."
- Bowie agreed to the duet because his mother was a fan of Bing Crosby.
- Writers quickly created a new medley, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy."
- The segment was filmed just weeks before Crosby's death in 1977.
- The song became a posthumous hit for Crosby and a significant success for Bowie.
The Unexpected Collaboration
In 1977, the idea of David Bowie, a pioneer of glam rock and avant-garde music, performing with Bing Crosby, a beloved figure from Hollywood's Golden Age, seemed unlikely. However, a Christmas television special brought these two musical giants together.
The special, titled Merrie Olde Christmas, aimed to blend classic holiday cheer with contemporary appeal. Producers saw the potential in pairing Bowie with Crosby, envisioning a memorable musical moment that would bridge generations.
Quick Fact
The Merrie Olde Christmas special was filmed in September 1977, only five weeks before Bing Crosby's death.
Bowie's Initial Hesitation
David Bowie had a clear reason for considering the duet: his mother was a devoted fan of Bing Crosby. This personal connection was strong enough to bring Bowie to the set. However, a critical issue arose during preparations.
The original plan called for Bowie and Crosby to sing "Little Drummer Boy." This choice immediately caused friction. Larry Grossman, a writer for the special, recalled Bowie's firm stance against the song.
"We had decided that we wanted them to do a duet of a 'Little Drummer Boy,' and when we told Bowie about the number, he said, 'I won’t sing that song.' We said, 'Why?' and he said, 'I hate that song,'" Grossman stated.
Bowie's dislike for the song was so strong that he threatened to withdraw from the entire production. He made it clear that his participation hinged on avoiding that particular number.
A Mother's Influence
Despite his musical preferences, Bowie's commitment to his mother's admiration for Crosby was significant. Grossman remembered Bowie explicitly stating his motivation:
"He said, 'If I have to sing that song, I can’t do the show.'" Grossman added, "He said that he was only 'doing the show because my mother loves Bing Crosby.'"
This revelation put the production team in a difficult position. They needed to find a solution quickly to keep Bowie on board and salvage the highly anticipated duet.
A Rapid Creative Solution
Faced with Bowie's ultimatum, the writing team, including Larry Grossman and Buz Kohan, had to act fast. They brainstormed an alternative that would incorporate the original song while also satisfying Bowie's artistic objections.
Their solution was to create a medley. They proposed combining "Little Drummer Boy" with a new, counter-melody song called "Peace on Earth." This approach allowed them to keep the classic element while introducing something fresh for Bowie.
Behind the Scenes
The writers worked under immense pressure. They had to craft a new musical arrangement that seamlessly blended two distinct pieces within a very short timeframe. This demonstrated the collaborative spirit required in television production.
Crafting the Medley
Buz Kohan explained the creative process:
"We decided the best way to salvage the arrangement was to do a counter melody that would fit in between the spaces and maybe write a new bridge and see if we can sell him that."
The team worked quickly. "Within an hour, we had it written, and we were able to present it to him again," Kohan confirmed. This rapid turnaround showcased their ability to adapt under pressure.
Bing Crosby himself embraced the challenge. Kohan noted that Crosby was able to adapt to the new arrangement "without losing any of the ‘Crosby-isms’ – that relaxed feeling and the atmosphere that he would always create whenever he was on camera.”
A Lasting Legacy
The duet, now known as "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy," became one of the most memorable moments of the Merrie Olde Christmas special. It aired posthumously after Crosby's death.
Bing Crosby passed away from a heart attack just five weeks after the special was taped. He was 74 years old. The hour-long program first aired in the United States in late November and on Christmas Eve in England.
Sales Success
The song "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" was released as a single in November 1982. It reached No. 3 on the United Kingdom Singles chart, selling over 400,000 copies in the UK alone. It marked Crosby's final popular hit and a significant success for Bowie.
The collaboration demonstrated the power of music to transcend genre and generational divides. It remains a beloved holiday classic, a testament to the unexpected harmony between a rock icon and a timeless crooner, made possible by a mother's love and a last-minute creative sprint.
Other Notable Appearances
While the Bowie-Crosby duet is the most remembered segment, Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas featured other notable talents. The special included appearances by model Twiggy, actor Ron Moody, and comedian Stanley Baxter.
The Trinity Boys Choir also performed, adding to the traditional Christmas atmosphere. Members of the Crosby family participated, making the special a truly personal and festive event.