Thanks for your question: "When did Bing Crosby and David Bowie do their famous “Little Drummer Boy” duet?"

Technically, Bing and Bowie performed this song together on September 11, 1977. Bing was touring in Europe and filming for his 42nd annual Christmas Special. However, the rest of the world did not see or hear their rendition of the song until November 30 or that same year. Sadly, Bing did not live to see the segment air, or to witness the reaction to it. He passed away about a month after the taping.

The story behind the song: While Bing was in London in 1977, when he expressed interest in having a young star on his yearly special. Someone suggested David Bowie and after conferring with his children, Crosby extended and invitation to Bowie. As luck would have it, David was a big fan of the Bingster and leapt at the chance to be on his show.

Bing chose “The Little Drummer Boy” for them to perform as a duet, but Bowie did not feel the song suited his voice. Writers came up with the “Peace on Earth” segment specifically for Bowie. After just 1 hour of rehearsing, the pair managed to complete their song in only 3 takes.

A few days later Bing told a reporter that he thought Bowie was "a clean cut kid and a real fine asset to the show. He sings well, has a great voice and reads lines well. He could be a good actor if he wanted." He had even given Bowie his phone number after the taping.

Seen by some as a symbol of the closing of the generation gap, this was chosen by TV Guide as one of the 25 Best Musical Television Moments of the Century. (June 5, 1999)

Thanks-
Raven

David Bowie - Changes One
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