But let's concentrate instead on all the good stuff that is present in the song. The following year, she became the youngest person to win a Grammy Award and Country Music Association Award. Bill - Glad you found some remakes that suited your tastes. We look at the classic tune, "The Little Drummer Boy" and rank 14 contenders. A frenzied, intense, and nerve-rattling experience that is neither Christmasy nor festive. Great job. Bill - That Canadian lady can really sing, eh? I cant believe no one mentioned this…. Glad to know you liked this. In 1959 Halloran re-released his album in stereo and changed the title to The Little Drummer Boy to be in step with popular understanding. As a kid this was my favorite Christmas tune. Which do you prefer? I was cast as the drummer but my voice broke. In the "Who Sang It Best?" The latest version of "The Little Drummer Boy" being played on Cross Rhythms radio is by Nashville-based singer Yancy. Three songs by this Grammy Award-winning Motown quintet are among The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Davis based her work upon a Czech song and named it the "Carol of the Drum." Kari Poulsen from Ohio on November 18, 2019: I never knew there were so many different versions of this song. Please take a moment to review my edit. Both ability and effort vary considerably. Many of us have heard " The Little Drummer Boy " our whole lives, which makes makes the musical nativity scene seem like something that's probably been around for 100 years or more. He ain't just singing it, folks. Rather than feature a prominent drum, this rendition lets brass instruments do the heavy lifting as background music. Instead, we display it first for comparison, with up to 14 contenders presented next in ranked order. (Beatboxing refers to those unusual mouth sounds that are meant to resemble a percussion instrument.) Notice something? “The Little Drummer Boy”, originally known as “Carol of the Drum” is a popular Christmas carol that tells the story of a poor young boy who is invited to play his drum for baby Jesus. Do you sing the song now or shy away, I'm wondering? At the end, Rimes provides lots of "rum pum pum pum" vocal filler instead of knowing how to end the song. Murray was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "50 Biggest Adult Contemporary Artists Ever." FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 24, 2019: Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 21, 2019: Actually, I know the song however I do not know, who sang. That makes it hard so it's a good thing that we can vote in secret. Then we present a set of contenders, artists who have released cover versions in any genre. Instead, it sounds like an army of half-crazed drummers running at you full force. "The Little Drummer Boy" is a popular Christmas song, with words and music by Katherine K. Davis. Davis' song, "Carol of the Drum" was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers, the large family whose story inspired the Broadway musical The Sound of Music. In fact I'm pulling out their Christmas album now and putting it on. It was adapted from Carol of the Drum (Peter Alexander and Katherine Davis). Good one. About. Although not the first to sing this Christmas carol, The Harry Simeone Chorale popularized it and made it a holiday tradition. Groban may be hitting his marks, but unfortunately, the pop-opera star is missing emotional persuasion. "The Little Drummer Boy," originally known as "Carol of the Drum," is a popular Christmas song written by the American classical music composer/teacher Katherine K. Davis in 1941. Their cover was recorded in 1977 for a Bing Crosby Christmas special only five weeks before the legendary elder singer died of a heart attack. Version Tracker examines how different artists have performed the same song over the years, adapting it to suit their own needs and times.. Maybe it’s the story. Best one by far. My favorite version of the song is the classic one, but it was fun to listen to the others as well. FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on February 23, 2020: Peggy - I'm glad you get something from the background story. Five years later, this version was released as a single and became an international hit. But then there’s the little drummer boy, the fictitious character of the popular Christmas song first recorded in 1955. Their version climbed the Billboard charts seasonally from 1958-1962. .". Peace on Earth (Little Drummer Boy) by Danny Peck was written by Katherine Davis, Ian Fraser, Buz Kohan and Larry Grossman and was first performed by David Bowie/Bing Crosby in 1982. However, it found fame when it was subsequently recorded in 1958 by the Harry Simeone Corale. I have the Bob Seger version on one of the Christmas compilations I pull out every year, and I just love it. Little Drummer Boy was originally named Carol Of The Drum. They may seem to have been nearly ornamental figures in military bands, but they actually served a critically important purpose on the battlefield. I had lots of suggestions to my Tweet yesterday asking for a favorite version of the Christmas song Little Drummer Boy. Because Bowie hated "The Little Drummer Boy," scriptwriters rushed to write a new counterpoint, "Peace on Earth," specifically for him. Digging through old CDs now…. We're starting the process later this week! He tries to be artsy in the way he draws out some of his notes to ill effect, and Busta raps some nonsense that includes references to Twitter and his Blackberry. A recorded version of a song is one way to enjoy the tune but to sit in an audience and listen as some of the best drummers in the world lay down a heartfelt version of the song, you will feel it in your bones. The Virgin Mary is missing from this version of "The Little Drummer Boy," which was recorded by Detroit native and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bob Seger and his band for a special charity album. Rolling Stone magazine named The Temptations as one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." Dec 25, 2020 - Baby Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas! Having no gifts, the impoverished child expresses reluctance, but he offers a simple drum performance as Mary nods approvingly. However, Toby Keith tones that down during this Chistmas tune and plays it straight in honor of Jesus. If you like her sound, her version of Silver Bells is particularly superb. Let's rank them and cross some off the list. Lyrics to Little Drummer Boy I was pleasantly surprised by Anne Murray as I thought I wouldn't like it very well, but I did like her. The most popular modern version is commonly attrributed to the Harry Simeone Chorale in 1958; however, many of its musical notes can be traced back to much older songs, and it remains possible that earlier versions of this carol actually predate Christianity or indeed humanity itself. Clive Williams from Jamaica on November 17, 2019: I like most of em, gonna have to revisit the songs. All Rights Belong to Artists Involved. Louise Powles from Norfolk, England on November 17, 2019: I didn't realise Ann Murray sang this until you posted it here. Linda L. - Thank you for the kind compliment. FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on December 25, 2019: Cynthia - I'm glad you enjoyed this. I really liked the original as well. I've seen that episode countless times since, and I think the same thing every time! Can you believe that back then this all in a public school. The Temptations grapple with whether to paint this song flat and solemn or instead perky (with a dash of funk). Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on November 17, 2019: Some excellent renditions, Flourish, but the original will always be my favorite. Dylan's performance on this song, therefore, comes as a surprise because he can be understood, and it's not simply because we already know the words. Linda - I'm glad you enjoyed this. How did my friends do? Of the contenders I really enjoyed Anne Murray. Merry Christmas. Some of the best known Christmas songs have been covered by a variety of popular artists. FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 19, 2019: Dora - Your secret is safe! I also thought Bob Seger was good, and I like him but did not expect him to sing this song very well. Louise - I didn't realize I enjoyed Anne Murray as much as I do until I started on this series. It was first released by David Bowie/Bing Crosby in 1982. Explore chord charts, sheet music and orchestrations for Christian worship songs. They changed Davis' original line, "the ox and ass kept time" to "the ox and lamb kept time" and renamed the tune "The Little Drummer Boy. Racing through the lyrics, the group conveys an unsatisfying sense that they are holding something back. This is one of my favorite carols of all time, and I think its simplicity and message is what makes it stand out over many other Christmas carols for me. I’d recommend all of them to you!). The story told in the song also resembles a legend from the 12th century that was retold by the French writer Anatole France. The song begins with muted tones then Pentatonix amplifies and speeds up their vocals, ultimately reaching a crescendo that celebrates the simple gift of giving whatever you can in the spirit of love. Lovin' the "Who Sang It Best?" Simeone’s slightly slower stereo recording of “The Little Drummer Boy” is a remake from 1965. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on November 17, 2019: I like the majority of these groups or singers, but it is hard not to like the original version the best. One of the more popular versions of the song was recorded for Bing Crosby's final holiday television special (Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas) as a medley titled "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy", which was a duet by the unusual pairing of Crosby and David Bowie. Hold on to your Christmas stockings and cookies because you'll either love this one or hate it, depending on your tastes in musical genres. That's what you get from this Grammy Award-winning Christian rock duo of Australian brothers. Leave it to Bieber to ruin a song in this way. First recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers, the song was popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale; the Simeone version was re-released successfully for … I have just modified one external link on The Little Drummer Boy. series! An English actress is recruited by the Israelis to infiltrate the assassin's terrorist cell. Share this: The Little Drummer Boy Hymn Lyrics, Story and Meaning Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on November 17, 2019: Of the ones you listed, I would opt for Ann Murray...but my mind instantly went to Bing Crosby....the classics at Christmas will always be favorites of mine. Liz Westwood from UK on November 17, 2019: You have compiled an interesting list. If we are friends there, we should correct that. Have a great week! The Little Drummer Boy (Simeone) by The Harry Simeone Chorale. If not the original, I have to vote for Ann Murray. I knew someone had to love him! I prefer the traditional version by the Harry Simeone Chorale. Although the background music is overblown, sounding almost Scottish in some portions, overall, Keith delivers a version that is decent enough that it shouldn't be discounted. Never heard his version that I know of…but I am a fan! This is a rendition with unexpected gusto, and it's hard not to love it. Have a wonderful week. It depicts the summoning of the young boy by the Three Wise Men to the nativity scene. While he didn't give "The Little Drummer Boy" the effort it deserved, his version of Silent Night is otherworldly. Have a wonderful weekend. Scroll down and you’ll see that post. Josh Groban has a wonderful voice, but I didn't like his version as much as I thought I would. FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on November 18, 2019: Kari - A lot of us don't try new versions. I love The Little Drummer Boy, my favorite version is by Bob Dylan. Liz - I appreciate your warm comment. We're putting up Christmas decorations earlier than usual this year given that Thanksgiving is coming late. Although traditionalists may find it too idiosyncratic for their taste, Charles gets bonus points for both his creativity and for the way he totally feels this song. Can any contender beat this well known favorite? Vote on your preferences: A classic choir offers a high, vibrant melody that is breathtakingly angelic and it is perfectly paired with the low, steady drumbeat of the masculine pum pum pum vocals. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts presented to the newborn king on this momentous day. Popular Versions of "Little Drummer Boy". Rimes first burst on the country music scene in 1996 at the tender age of 13 and was lauded as the new Patsy Cline. With hit country songs like "Trailerhood," "Beer for My Horses" and "Red Solo Cup," here's a guy who has spent nearly three decades cultivating an image as a cowboy and proud redneck. Here are what the kind folks on Twitter suggested: (You might also find some new friends on Twitter this way. Share it with all of us here. She sings it really well, I think. Giggled at your commentary, especially "the depressive" version by Bob Dylan! Semeone ended up recording the song two other time during his music career, and of course scores have recorded The Little Drummer Boy, and every child and Christmas choir has sung the hymn countless times since. (now I can). Loved Whitehearts version. Thanks for stopping by to vote for your favorite! Thanks for chiming in. Slow but expectant vocals of okayish quality are punctuated by startling bursts of energy. The Little Drummer Boy was always my favorite Christmas show. Its volume needs to be dialed down so that it becomes background music instead of an ever-looming threat to Rimes' vocal spotlight. Noticeably she rolls her r's and doesn't invest too much effort in her vocals. justmesuzanne from Texas on March 09, 2020: Just about anybody but "Richie Petrie"! Have a Merry Christmas! I would love to read about your favorite versions of this or any other Christmas song. He accents the song in some odd places. See more ideas about the little drummer boy, drummer boy, drummer. Your background information is always so informative. Eric - The preteens and early teens can be some of the hardest years. We all have those songs where we think, "anyone but that artist!". A Palestinian assassin is targeting prominent Israelis. With Simona Brown, Gennady Fleyscher, Clare Holman, Daniel Litman. The ad nauseam drumming is both rapid and energetic. Here are what the kind folks on Twitter suggested: (You might also find some new friends on Twitter this way. I prefer a choir who sings it without any embellishment and brings its lovely melody out with angelic voices making it even more beautiful. I’d recommend all of them to you!) Hope you're doing well. First recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers, the song was further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry SimeoneChorale; the Simeone version was re-released successfully for several years and the song has been recorded many times since. While he didn't give "The Little Drummer Boy" the effort it deserved, his version of Silent Night is otherworldly. I found the history of this carol fascinating too! Their lack of chemistry and subpar harmony in the beginning give way to a sublime creation as Crosby sings "The Little Drummer Boy" and Bowie sings "Peace on Earth." Although the "Little Drummer Boy" is often remembered for the lines that famously imitate a drum, a review of the song's lyrics reveal why it is indeed a Christmas carol. Josh Groban's voice reverberates with energy in this Christmas tune as the soft vocals of a female choir add an angelic flair. The story of the little drummer boy is a beloved Christmas carol written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, an American teacher and classical music composer. I'm "almost" in the mood for Christmas now. There are many other versions of “Little Drummer Boy” I love, but I don’t want to keep you here all day. Friday Discussion: Let’s Talk Christmas Music | Ron Edmondson, Handle Little Things Before They Become Big Things. Following the special's broadcast during the 1977 holiday season, "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" went unavailable for many years. Or maybe it’s just that everyone digs a dude who can pound the skins. It definitely showed an intergenerational divide in the 1970s. You will see the Twitter name followed by their suggestion: (Know your role, musicians!) Have a wonderful week. Groban's version, therefore, seems to be more of an exercise in professional artistry than a channeling of the drummer boy's persona. I guess I get one Christmas playlist and don't really get to hear the others. Bieber was discovered in 2007 when he posted his videos on YouTube, and in less than 10 years became one of the world's best-selling music artists, a Grammy Award-winner, and one of the top 10 most powerful celebrities in the world, as named by Forbes magazine. Although it does not mention holidays, snow, Santa, or Christmas trees, "The Little Drummer Boy" has become a perennial Christmas favorite. Do you have a favorite version of Little Drummer Boy? Some cover versions honor the traditional artist's style while others are reinterpretations. Have a great week! series, we start with the traditional version of popular songs that have been covered multiple times. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after all, and music is a big part of that. The Little Drummer Boy was, and Simeone’s Christmas album was a huge hit, making the U.S. singles charts for four consecutive years. In response to his efforts, she either smiles at him or throws him a rose, depending upon which version of the old tale one ascribes to. Thanks for stopping by! Thanks for saying so! Excitement builds up to peaks of full volume high notes and bagpipes add a Celtic feel. The crusty old crooner and the 30-year-old androgynous glam rocker make an unlikely pair as they collaborate to achieve one of the most famous holiday duets of all time. The song Little Drummer Boy [German] was written by Peter Alexander and Katherine Davis and was first released by Peter Alexander und Ute Mann Chor in 1985. Don't miss a post! The legend describes how a juggler performs before a statue of the Virgin Mary. Devika - I'm glad you liked this. You are getting into the festive spirit in good time. The Little Drummer Boy – Harry Simeone Chorale. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-honored band goes full tilt with electric guitars—because what would Jesus do?—to deliver a performance that is memorable but not praiseworthy. The man behind the Little Drummer Boy Challenge. Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on November 18, 2019: The original is the best for me. The song's history is interesting. His version and the David Bowie/Bing Crosby are the best. It's not the slow, traditional style but it's really from the heart. Then the song comes to a brief halt, giving way to slow, simple vocals, the contrast demonstrating reverence for the newborn King. Supplemented by hushed harmonies and accents of a snare drum, Dylan's vocals are subdued, and there's not a lot of variation to his emotional tenor. This is the original popular mono version of the holiday standard. I especially prefer their upbeat interpretation of the song to slower, more solemn renditions, and they get bonus points for creativity. From the get-go, Pentatonix beatboxes a drum-like sound, and it draws in the imagination of the listener. In reality, the sixties counterculture icon usually can't carry a tune in a bucket, and he often mumble-sings. "Little Drummer Boy" Lyrics . Question: "Is the little drummer boy in the Bible?" Take a listen then cast your vote! Country fans particularly should appreciate the commanding quality of his voice and will likely overlook a rough spot or two, such as the transition near the mention of Mary. So the Song Goes The Little Drummer Boy. Heidi - I'm so glad you enjoy this series. This drummer is, of course, not in the biblical story, but his presence has become legendary in our modern Christmas imagination. ... participants are challenged to avoid the popular Christmas carol. It sounds better your list of songs is an increasing attraction here. As the song progresses, trumpets and snare drums signal increasing excitement, alongside increasing volume and complexity. However, if his voice is fitting for any Christmas song, it would be this one. It's fun to listen to other options even if we come back to the original or our tried and true favorite. Which of the cover versions do you prefer. Read that post HERE. Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum ... Popular Versions of "Little Drummer Boy" Traditional Christmas Carols Made New. Lyrics to the christmas song Little Drummer Boy. What gifts do you bring to the Son of God when you have nothing but your talent for drum playing? The artist that many affectionately called "The Genius" was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time." The a capella group first rose to fame in 2011 after taking home the prize in the third season of NBC's competition, The Sing-Off. These two are so jubilant they're trippin' on God's love. Do you have a favorite version of Little Drummer Boy? Thanks for this background which makes me appreciate this song even more! TerriC via Pixabay, Free Domain, modified by FlourishAnyway. I had lots of suggestions to my Tweet yesterday asking for a favorite version of the Christmas song Little Drummer Boy. My favorite is the original. The christmas song was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. She's retired now but always did a real classy job. There is a steady beating drum beat in the backdrop to accent his vocals. His cover of "The Little Drummer Boy" is like a regifted fruitcake. This will require all of her acting talents and put her at considerable risk. It was released as a track on the same 1981 album as Joan Jett and The Blackhearts' hit singles, "I Love Rock 'n Roll" and "Crimson and Clover.". Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on November 17, 2019: Flourish, you've done such a great job of analyzing each of these. It was finally released as a single by RCA Records in November 1982 and was a commercial success, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart.It became one of the best-selling singles of Bowie's career, with total estimated … It is interesting how the title of this song has been changed in earlier times. Bing Crosby and David Bowie recorded the most popular version of the Little Drummer Boy as a duet with Peace On Earth for Bing Crosby’s Television Christmas special in 1977. Listen to the classic song then compare a bevy of contenders before you decide "Who Sang It Best?". Her voice is so angelic and soothing. My hubby and i listened together tonight-- Christmas Eve. FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on March 10, 2020: justmesuzanne - I had to laugh at your reaction. I also had several answers on Facebook, including a few different answers, but I’ll let you go to that page, since some include links. About The Little Drummer Boy "The Little Drummer Boy" (originally known as "Carol of the Drum") is a popular Christmas song written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. “The Little Drummer Boy” was originally known as “Carol of the Drum” and is a very popular Christmas song. I appreciate your visit. Hope you're starting to feel the spirit. Country-pop crossover star Leann Rimes' voice is strong and clear in this notably competent version of "The Little Drummer Boy" although the excessiveness of the drums seems to rush her along.

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