This Friday’s song is “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. This famous duet was recorded in September 1977 a month before Crosby’s death. It was part of Crosby’s last Christmas special that was broadcast in December 1977. It features Crosby singing the 1941 standard, Little Drummer Boy, with Bowie singing Peace on Earth as the counterpoint. This arrangement was written specifically for the show. The song was not released as a single until 1982.
It is almost hard to believe it has been over forty-five years since this was performed. I was living in Saugus, MA. I was doing an internship at Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Massachusetts as I finished my degree at Salem State College. It was an interesting time. Jimmy Carter had taken the oath of office as President of the United States earlier that year. The Egyptian president, Anwar Sadat visited Israel and the United States turned the Panama Canal over to Panama. The Atari 2600 and Apple II, both category defining products, were released. Star Wars and Saturday Night Fever were released. Roots broadcast on TV. Elvis Presley died and Roman Polanski was arrested. The Alaskan Oil Pipeline opened and there was a major blackout in New York City.
I remember seeing this when it was first broadcast. It was a symbolic coming together of two generations. Perhaps each of us can take a moment to listen, reflect, and find ways to do this again today. Hope you enjoy “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie.