Category: Entertainment | Title: When Did David Bowie and Bing Crosby Sing Together | Tag: David Bowie Bing Crosby Duet | Meta Description: Facts about the David Bowie and Bing Crosby duet, the song they recorded, and the TV special that brought them together...
The David Bowie and Bing Crosby Duet
David Bowie and Bing Crosby recorded a duet of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" for a Christmas television special. The collaboration paired Crosby's classic crooner style with Bowie's newer pop sound. The duet became one of the most remembered musical moments of late 1970s television. Watch highlights from the special.
The recording took place shortly before Crosby's death in October 1977. The special aired on November 30, 1977, on ABC in the United States. The performance is widely cited as one of Crosby's final major public appearances. Read the original obituary coverage.
The 1977 Christmas Special
Production and Broadcast Details
The special, titled "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas," was produced by ATV for the ITV network in the UK. It was later broadcast in the US on ABC. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical performances, and the now-iconic duet segment. View the special on IMDb.
Song Selection and Arrangement
The medley combined the traditional carol "The Little Drummer Boy" with Bowie's original lyrics for "Peace on Earth." The arrangement was designed to contrast Crosby's familiar holiday tone with Bowie's more reflective, modern verses. The producers chose the pairing to appeal to both older and younger audiences. Read the full Rolling Stone feature.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The duet has been streamed millions of times on digital platforms decades after the original broadcast. It is frequently cited in year-end lists of the best holiday songs and most memorable TV musical moments. The performance is often referenced in articles about unusual celebrity collaborations. See Billboard's retrospective.
Music historians note the duet as a bridge between traditional pop and early 1980s new wave aesthetics. The clip is regularly featured in documentaries about both artists. The collaboration remains a key example of cross-generational duets in television history. Read The Guardian's analysis.