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This charming medley began its life as a duet between Yuletide mainstay Bing Crosby and the Thin White Duke himself, David Bowie, for Bing's final holiday TV special "Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas" in 1977.
David Bowie, whose work was beloved by Bing's children, was invited onto the special to promote his newest album "Heroes." The odd pairing of the old-school crooner and Ziggy Stardust made for a singularly unique Christmas magic when it hit airwaves that December, after the sad reports of Bing's passing.
The medley is, of course, anchored by the 1941 carol "Little Drummer Boy," which had been penned by classical music teacher Katherine K. Davis, with additional arrangements made by Harry Simeone and Henry Onorati.
This classic was given a modern twist with a new composition written just for Bowie, "Peace On Earth." This new section was created by young composers Ian Fraser and Larry Grossman, with input from the special's screenwriter Buz Kohan.
For this recording, I've contributed my own non-singer's voice to meld with Cindy's, combining her sung parts with my spoken word. The track is also unique in that it shows off the incredible breadth of her vocal range here by singing contralto.
lyrics
Come they told me
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A newborn king to see
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum
Come they told me
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (Peace on Earth)
A newborn king to see (Can it be?)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (Years from now)
Our finest gifts we bring (Perhaps we'll see)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (See the day of glory)
To lay before the king (See the day)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (When men of good will)
Rum-pum-pum-pum (Live in peace)
Rum-pum-pum-pum (Live in peace again)
So to honour him
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (Peace on Earth)
When we come (Can it be?)
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can
Little baby
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (I pray my wish)
I stood beside him there (Will come true)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (For my child)
I played my drum for him (And your child too)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (He'll see the day of glory)
I played my best for him (See the day)
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (When men of good will)
Rum-pum-pum-pum (Live in peace)
Rum-pum-pum-pum (Live in peace again)
Then he smiled at me
Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum (Peace on Earth)
Me and my drum (Can it be?)
Can it be?
credits
from Winter Cold Night,
released December 20, 2020
"Peace On Earth", written by: Ian Fraser, Larry Grossman & Alan "Buz" Kohan
"Little Drummer Boy", written by: Katherine K. Davis, Harry Simeone & Henry Onorati
PRODUCED & MIXED BY MELISSA TREGLIA
Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar: Cindy Joyce Treglia
Spoken word: Melissa Treglia
Arranged by Melissa Treglia & Cindy Joyce Treglia
Recorded in November & December 2020
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