On 11/28/03 Clay Aiken performed a song on television by Katherine K. Davis. Carol of the Drum was originally a Czech song that Ms. Davis translated to English in 1941. Ms. Davis said:
…the words practically wrote themselves.
The song became famous when the well-known Von Trapp Family Singers recorded it. We know the song today as The Little Drummer Boy.
On 11/28/03 Clay appeared on Nick at Nite’s Holiday Special on Nickelodeon. Playing himself, the story found Clay stranded in a snowstorm and making a stop at a comfortable countryside inn. Clay watched Bing Crosby’s Christmas special on TV and imagined himself singing a duet with the famous singer. With some amazing special effects, the dream came true and Clay joined Bing in singing the “Little Drummer Boy”.
And Katherine K Davis?? She left all royalties and proceeds from her compositions, which include operas, choruses, children’s operettas, cantatas, piano and organ pieces, and songs, to Wellesley College’s Music Department. And…..on a personal note, Ms. Davis was a good friend of my mother who also wrote music for children.
The following video shows Clay as he sings with Bing Crosby. Even with all the “magic” special effects, the music and singing is amazing!
I love the Little Drummer Boy anyways and Clays version is just beautiful. I could watch that video a million times. 🙂 and wow does he look handsome!
I just heard this yesterday on the radio: the original duet between Bing and David Bowie. Gorgeous then; but Clay's makes it even more gorgeous. Wish he had put this on an EP or CD!!
Gosh, I haven't watched this video for awhile now….Thank you Musicfan and CANN…
Clay can harmonize with anyone… I really enjoyed watching this again.
Hugs,
Judy
This is such a beautiful memory of performance by Clay with Bing Crosby and really points out how exceptional a singer Clay is. Thanks for 2 more photos that I can add to my Nick at Night Clay collection!
I love this, Clay Aiken sure can harmonize with Bing Crosby beautifully!
WOW…….Clay looks so handsome in this video and the pictures!! Thank you for posting about this fun program
Clay sounds good whatever he sings and whoever he sings with!!
I really enjoyed that Video from Nick at Night. He was great singing The Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. I think I would rather listen to this version on the radio. Clay can sing with anyone and sound good. He looks so young and cute here also.
This was really wonderful – great memories!! Ain't technology a wonderful thing? Most of the time anyway
That is really a special video. And your Mom was a friend of Ms. Davis? That is special as well.
I do remember my mom talking about Katherine Davis. They both worked with youth choirs and often teamed up together. They were both lovely ladies and talented musicians!
It was great seeing this again. A classic crooner and a current crooner sure made beautiful music together.