Odd Couples: 10 Weird Christmas Duets

One of the most memorable duets in recent history paired an aging Bing Crosby and David Bowie, suited up at the peak of his Berlin years, for a classic holiday mash-up. The unusual coupling comes with a rich backstory: Crosby’s 1977 “Merrie Olde Christmas” special was filmed in England, and British stars like Twiggy and Bowie were enlisted to appear—mainly due to physical proximity. Show producer Ian Fraser says Bowie balked at singing “Little Drummer Boy,” so the show’s producers wrote the original tune “Peace on Earth” for the duo in just 75 minutes. The duo bantered about Christmas and family for a few minutes before joining forces for what has become a Christmas staple. The track became even more poignant when Crosby passed away a mere month after the special aired.

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