Now that Thanksgiving is over, can we listen to Christmas Music ??
Well, to be honest, I have been listening to Christmas music for a couple of weeks already.
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 remember watching this show. I was so excited!
Did you watch the show?
Somehow I missed seeing this on TV, but have watched the video many times. I love it and the song, The Little Drummer Boy"! Thank you so much for the history of the writer and the fact that your Mother was friends with K. K. Davis and that your Mom wrote for children also.
Glad that Clay got to sing with Bing! It's a wonderful video. I am ready for Christmas Music!
Love all of the photos, too – Thank You!
I didn't see the show when it was on because I didn't get that channel on my TV. I was so happy when it was posted on line and was able to enjoy it over and over. Hope everyone had a good and safe Thanksgiving and are looking forward to Christmas. Thanks for sharing the info about the writer of the song and your mother's connection to her.
Thank you for all the pictures and the video. I remember watching this on TV. It is magic. I did not know about the history of the song. It is never to early to listen to Christmas songs if Clay is singing. To listen to Clay and Bing sing together is magic. Thank you CANN.
To me, Clay is Mr. Christmas! I play his CD in my car and watch his Christmas shows on You Tube! A Tradition I have done every year! Thank you, CANN for sharing this special memory of OMC!