Originally, the song selected for them to sing as a duet was "The Little Drummer Boy" but Bowie did not feel comfortable with the song and felt that his voice did not adapt well to it. Within an hour, the composer/lyricists Buz Kohan, Larry Grossman and Ian Fraser quickly came up with lyrics to "Peace on Earth" as a counterpart to Crosby and "The Little Drummer Boy" It was Crosby's final Christmas special, recorded just five weeks before his death on October 14, 1977.

I vividly remember decorating the house for Christmas when this special aired in 1977. I was 16 at the time, and even then I knew this was to be a classic. What a great duet.

An Epic & Historic Pairing Of Legends.. R.I.P. Bing & David 🙏 ❤

David bowie did not want to do the show with bing originally, But David's mother talked him into it because she was a big bing Crosby fan... David didn't want to sing little drummer boy either So they wrote Peace on earth for david to sing in a mashup with little drummer boy which Bing sang...they practiced this duet for an hour before they actually taped it for tv...Bing was 77 at the time and actually died a month or two after doing this tv special...He died while playing golf of a massive heart attack in Spain ...He sang the biggest selling song of all time, "White Christmas" and starred in the 1954 movie also called White Christmas...

This was such a huge surprise when it aired. Bing Crosby and David Bowie? Who thought up that pairing? But wow! Did it ever work! Wait every year to watch this!!

Bing had a family TV Christmas special every year from the 50s until he passed in the 1970s.

As a request from his (Bing) daughter David Bowie appeared on this CBS special, and became a hit and Christmas favorite.

This was Bing Crosby's last Christmas Special.He died before the show aired

One of the first mash ups in my opinion, without full on electronic mixing desks etc. Just great timing and excellent performers.

Why have I got tears in my eyes, I guess this duo effects me more than I remember. I can see both David and Bing up there together around that piano reliving this moment, as Christmas time is near. Peace on Earth

Bowie's son's name was originally Zowie Bowie, but he changed it to Duncan Jones (Jones is David Bowie's real last name). He's a movie director and screenwriter.

If this don't make you roll a tear, there's something wrong with you.

I remember watching this on TV when i was a teenager.

That's all we want. Peace ✝️🤲✝️🤲✝️

Bing is famous for being in the old movie White Christmas (and a bunch of other things)... he sang the title song.

Every single time I watch this video, it never fails to remind me, yet again, of just how great--how truly, truly great--I am.

Rip To Bing Crosby & David Bowie, We Still Miss You Guy's, Always

Beautiful song , amazing rendition, bing sadly died 4 weeks after he recorded this with David , bing sung more than 1600 songs and starred in over 70 films , he is recognised and the most influential person in Hollywoods history , RIP to you both

Saw it when it aired. Loved it then, still love it. Beautiful harmonies, perfect, the two of them.

David Bowie was often doing duets with other great stars, such as Tina Turner & Freddie Mercury. This is one of he & Bing's best efforts, & still brings tears to the eyes & chills down the spine. Both have found their "peace" in Heaven.

The Best musical collaboration ever!

One of my favorite Christmas songs. Gives me goosebumps every time!

When I saw this on TV while visiting my parents I knew that Dad became a Bowie fan. Bing Crosby gave him credibility for Dad 🥰

Bing had a perfect baritone voice. They meshed so well together. A Christmas classic.

Have always loved this song. Met Bowie once, he was SO sweet and gracious, will miss him always.

DOLLY PARTON "MARY,, DID YOU KNOW?"..A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC.

I'm amazed. David has such a beautiful voice.

One of my absolute favorite Christmas songs

Just listened to greatness. So beautiful

Thanks for doing the longer version!!! It shows what these two were really like.

2 icons....

Merry Christmas! This the best version ever! I have seen this version most of my life and it doesn't feel like Christmas without it.

One of my favorite Christmas songs with a powerful message. Peace on earth can it be

Bittersweet fore, my and my mom's favorite Christmas Song...

Remembering this from the time. Emotional then. The same now.

Two absolute LEGENDS! Bing was in over 90 movies.

Magical Duet! ❤

There will be a day when true peace will be. The return of The King of Glory.

My favorite Christmas video/songs

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

I remember watching this special on TV in 1977. It sounded like a wild pair to sing together at the time but once they began it turned out to be historic and very very very beautiful. RIP Bing and David

I am a drummer…so “Little Drummer Boy” has always been my favorite Christmas song. I once got to sing it in church, with my nephew, who was 10 at the time, playing his drum (he followed in my footsteps). This version of the song has always meant so much to me, because of the lyrics that were written for David Bowie to sing. Happy holidays to you and the family.

This was absolutely beautiful 🤩

This is history n the making. It is when the collaboration of yesteryears singers and those of the today's singers time. I remember that song time like it was yesterday. A very special moment is musical history.

I am not sure how Snoopy's Christmas - Snoopy vs. The Red Baron pop in my head. I am SURE you guys will love this. That is one of my favorites!!!

Love this. We need more unity! Love Ray Charles, Spirit of Christmas 🎄 ❤

The Carpenters -- Merry Christmas Darling ♥️🎄

As Fantastic now as it was back then. I was a teenager then and now I'm 66. Good memories.

Beautiful ❤

Beautiful song and message!

From the first airing this song fills my with so much emotion it falls out of my eyes. 💖

PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS "WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME" THE KINKS "FATHER CHRISTMAS" CHUCK BERRY "RUN RUDOLPH RUN"

One of my absolute favourites

My favorite!

Another great reaction Shawn & Mel! There are many different videos of this performance and you watched the right one! Merry Christmas to you both and your family!

Classic and it brought a true felt tear ....moved

Well there it is. You have seen and heard it. Thank you for your wonderful reactions. Peace and love to the both of you and your family's and love to all of your followers. 2022 people. I cant wait.

Why does this clip make me tear up EVERY time I watch it ??? Is it because it is so beautiful , or is it because of all the ugliness in the world that we must endure every day. Peace On Earth , something I will not live to see.

OMG I've never heard this before, I'm blown away

Yall are good people. And yall are good role models for today's youth. Spreading the love. That's how it's done.

You need to listen to some of Bing Crosby too

I am convinced that Starman David Bowie traveled across another generation & detention to meet his dimensional alter ego Bing Crosby to preform a duet.

It’s great to see young & old side-by-side two legends never to be forgotten R.I.P.✨🛸 Merry Christmas to you both & happy new year

One of my favorite Christmas performances the reason David Bowie did it was because his mom loved bing crosby thanks for your beautiful and insightful reaction and thoughts merry Christmas if u get a chance listen to Bruce Springsteen merry Christmas baby love thanks

ONE WORD AMAZING

So beautiful !!

One of my favorite Christmas songs!..also for some great classics please try Oh Holy Night-Nat King Cole(it will give you chills) Do You Hear What I Hear-Bing Crosby(my favorite version) and for fun White Christmas-The Drifters :) Keep On Rockin'

One of my favorites at Christmas!!!

Very funny line about John Lennon since he was with the Beatles who didn’t go back quite as far as Bing Crosby did. Funny too that he mentioned White Christmas, because Bing Crosby immortalized that song. Glad the two of you discovered this masterpiece. Gives me chills each and every time. ❤️ Three wise words that you can’t change the world without changing yourself. ❤️ ☮️

I've always loved this version of one of my favorite Christmas songs. John Lennon Was is Over, Happy Xmas is my all time favorite though

this is my favorite Christmas song Little Drummer Boy , they did a great job I remember this and remember what a hit it was with everyone

Many have commented about Bing singing White Christmas but he sang it originally in the movie Holiday Inn. It's always a must see on my Christmas list.

You guys are wonderful people! Thank you!

Stunning!

This is absolutely my favorite Christmas song, I remember watching this special. Bing had already passed away the summer before it was shown. The special had already been taped. The last Bing Crosby Christmas special 😭

always loved this song, great reaction!! and thank you for not pausing this beautiful song 100 times like some other reactions👍😊

This was one of my favorites....along with (John Lennon - So this is Christmas) & (Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas ...the original 80's UK version)

lovely guys, have seen bowie on many occasions

At this moment I'd settle for peace in America. ❤✌

Another great Christmas song is "Boney M. - Mary's Boy Child"

I remember the live broadcast. We lost our minds.

This always makes me feel so warm inside. Thank you for this one. 🥰

We will have peace on Earth again when Jesus Christ returns glory to God

I love your guys reactions, they are so genuine, keep it up...

Shawn and Mel, I want to wish you and your children.. nothing but (Peace and happiness!!) You two are simply the Best. And I appreciate everything you do. So from my house to yours... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR .. love and respect from Las Vegas

Cool!

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs! Their voices together are exquisite. RIP to both 💟👏🙏🎄

I'm the fluffy lady from fla. I remember seeing this on t. v. myself beside the fact that David's mom said to do this.....IS.... this was the ONLY time that a rock star sang with bing Crosby and David and bing were going to collaborate on a song together for the first time in history where rock met the past........alittle while after bing past... David was very upset.he thought that bing was one of the greatest singers of all time....

Merry Christmas to you both. Let’s just keep praying for peace on this earth 🌏🙏🏻❤️

We must be strong! Do not let anyone divide us! Peace to All!

One of the first mashups

❤️🥰❤️ Hello S & M SQUAD, HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!! ☃️❄️🎄⭐️ All I can say is W O W!!! ⭐️ ⭐️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 STANDING OVATION!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼⭐️ B R A V O 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼⭐️ ❤️ 🥰❤️ S and M SQUAD IS THE BEST!!! ❤️🥰❤️

I was here

I love you guys, your so much fun 😊❤️

i miss holiday specials where some huge legend just happens to live down the street and randomly drops by...

The best Christmas song, in my opinion. Also, "O Holy Night" by Josh Groban. ❤️

❤️

Peace Be With You & Merry Christmas!!

If it were not for my mom we would not have had Christmas. For some reason my dad hated the holidays when we were kids. Mom would do everything she could to make it Christmas for us kids. I miss my parents more every day.

Bing Crosby always had a Christmas special. This was his last one. I think it was 1977. Bing died of a heart attack and pasted and never got to see this aired.He will always represent Christmas to me.