When David Bowie and Bing Crosby Shared an Unexpectedly Beautiful Christmas Moment
Few musical pairings are as surprising, or as memorable, as the moment Bing Crosby and David Bowie came together to perform Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy.
Recorded in 1977 for Crosby’s television Christmas special, the duet begins with a brief, lighthearted exchange before unfolding into a calm, reflective performance. Crosby’s warm baritone anchors the familiar melody of Little Drummer Boy, while Bowie introduces a newly written counter-melody, Peace on Earth, sung with a clear and expressive tenor.
What makes the performance remarkable is how naturally the two voices intertwine.
Rather than competing, the contrasting styles blend seamlessly, creating a layered harmony that feels both traditional and modern. Bowie’s melodic line floats above Crosby’s steady phrasing, turning the song into a quiet conversation between generations.
Although the performance was recorded decades ago, it continues to resonate with new audiences.
Its renewed popularity has been supported by modern holiday compilations and annual seasonal broadcasts, reminding listeners why this duet remains one of the most distinctive Christmas performances ever recorded.
Elegant, understated, and timeless, the collaboration stands as a rare example of how two vastly different artists can meet in the middle—and create something lasting.
