David Bowie Chose Bing Crosby Duet for Mom, Despite a Major Hurdle
David Bowie’s decision to collaborate with Bing Crosby on their iconic duet nearly fell through due to his strong feelings about the original song choice. Despite his reservations, Bowie ultimately participated in the 1977 holiday special titled *Merrie Olde Christmas*, primarily because of his mother’s admiration for Crosby.
The Birth of the Duet
The initial plan was for Bowie to perform “Little Drummer Boy.” Upon hearing the suggestion, Bowie expressed his discontent, famously stating he “hated” the song. Larry Grossman, a writer for the special, recalled Bowie’s insistence: “If I have to sing that song, I can’t do the show.”
Creative Adjustments
To accommodate Bowie’s objections, the show’s writers opted to alter the original arrangement. They decided to merge “Little Drummer Boy” with a new counter melody titled “Peace on Earth.” Co-writer Buz Kohan noted that it took only an hour to craft this new version, which was then re-presented to Bowie.
- Show Title: Merrie Olde Christmas
- Taping Date: September 1977
- Crosby’s Passing: Five weeks post-taping, he died from a heart attack at 74.
- Duet Release: The song was released as a single in November 1982.
- Chart Performance: Peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles chart.
- Estimated Sales: Over 400,000 copies in the UK.
Impact and Legacy
The *Merrie Olde Christmas* special was aired posthumously, with the U.S. airing occurring at the end of November and Christmas Eve in England. The duet not only became a holiday classic but also marked Crosby’s final hit, showcasing his ability to adapt while maintaining his signature style. The special featured guest appearances from notable personalities such as Twiggy, Ron Moody, and Stanley Baxter.
Ultimately, Bowie’s love for his mother led to an unforgettable musical moment that continues to resonate with audiences today.
