Show Notes
In this episode, Jay and Scott discuss the history of "The Little Drummer Boy" and also go deep into the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet. They even dig up obscure versions of the song by Ringo Starr, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
Check out the hilarious Saturday Night Live spoof of the Crosby/Bowie duet with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
Versions of the song played in this episode:
Julie Andrews Patapan (1975)
Trapp Family Singers (1951)
Jack Holloran Singers (1957)
Harry Simone Chorale (1958)
Bing Crosby and David Bowie (1977)
Perry Como (1968)
Jimi Hendrix (1969)
Ray Charles (1985)
Ringo Starr (1999)
The Kings Singers (2013)
Leslie Odom Jr. feat. Mzansi Youth Choir (2020)
Hip-hop version by Lauryn Hill (1999)
Jazz version by Dave Koz (2001)
Country version by Toby Keith (2007)
Jamaican Drummer Boy (Reggae version) by Shaggy (2011)
Punk version by Sean Quigley (2011)
Ska version by Reel Big Fish (2014)
Acoustic version by Justin Gambino (2015)
Chiptune version by Sara Lopez (2018)
Metal version by Ben Dixon (2019)
African Tribal Style by Alex Boye ft. Genesis Choir 2015
More from Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast
This month, Duane and Scott discuss "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Songs played in this episode: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Solo Piano) by Vinheteiro Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Banjo Duet) by Fitzpatrick Media Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Jazz Nutcracker) by Peter Hostage Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Lindsey Stirling Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Reggae) by Is This Love Sugar Plum Funk by Kid Kasino The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71A — Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia Orchestra Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood — Celesta Intro by Unknown Hedwig's Theme (Celesta) by John Williams Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Club Mix) by Betty Booom & Captain Matt Nutcracker Suite by Brian Setzer Orchestra Tetris NES — Type 1 Music by Nintendo Entertainment System OST Here are Duane’s social media links.
For the first episode of 2026, Duane and Scott discuss the song "Mele Kalikimaka". Here's the documentary called "Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around" that listener Pandy told us about. These are the two versions that listener Pandy sent us of I Saw Three Ships: The first is from Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band and the second is John Renbourn of Pentangle. If you'd like to submit versions of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" for our March episode, please use this Google Form. Versions of "Mele Kalikimaka" played in this episode: Bing Crosby Geoff Castellucci Reel Big Fish Lambo Lambo Rock Josh Tatofi Kacey Musgraves and Zooey Deschanel Christafari & Kapena Lucky Jones Iam Tongi (live) The Petersens
This is a re upload of a deleted episode. This was originally uploaded back in Dec 2018, but to due to copywrite claims was taken down by the host provider.
Happy New Year everyone!! Duane here for a short episode where I reveal the new listener-led concept for Tinsel Tunes 2026. This listener-led season puts Christmas music fans in control, from song choices to monthly themes and special guest episodes. Your voice helps shape the year ahead. Google form link for submissions https://forms.gle/j51mso27RKyV36rq9
For the final episode of 2025, Duane and Scott discuss the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". They also reveal the winner of the 2025 song battle. Check out Santa Duane and give him a follow on the socials:https://www.hawkesbaysanta.nz Songs played in this episode: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Holy Rocka Rollaz (Rockabilly) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jacob Miller & Ray I (Reggae) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Relient K We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Merry Christmas Experience (Ska/Punk) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Blue Wisp Big Band We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Southwell Festival Voices (Traditional) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Celtic Women We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Julian Neel (Barbershop)