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?
I didn’t watch the show – I don’t think I knew it would be on TV. I have watched the video many times and it always touches me in a very special way. I love that your Mother knew K. Davis and they had children’s music in common. So much happened for Clay in these 20 years and he wears it so well!
Thank you for all the pictures and the video. I never knew who wrote the song of The Little Drummer Boy. Now I know. To know that Katherine K Davis was a friend of your mother must be special in your life. I did watch this special on TV. I try to watch every show that Clay was on. This Christmas special was one of them. The song that Clay sang with Bing is beautiful. I love this song. Thank you CANN.