The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth
At the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s holiday concert, Holly, Jolly, and Gay!, on December 5, 2025, at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jim Beaty and Chuck McSorley delivered a moving duet performance of David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s iconic arrangement of “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth.” The timeless pairing of these two melodies, long associated with unity and reflection, became a poignant highlight of the evening.
Beaty and McSorley approached the piece with a balance of reverence and emotional honesty. The opening phrases of “Peace on Earth” were shaped with gentle restraint, allowing the message of hope and harmony to emerge with clarity and sincerity. As the familiar rhythms of “The Little Drummer Boy” entered, the interplay between the two vocal lines created a compelling musical dialogue, echoing the original duet’s conversational style while still feeling fresh and personal.
The contrast between the singers’ voices added depth to the performance. Each line was clearly defined, yet carefully blended, emphasizing both individuality and connection. This duality mirrored the song’s central themes of longing for peace amid a world marked by conflict. Their expressive phrasing and attentive listening to one another elevated the performance beyond nostalgia, turning it into a moment of shared reflection.
Allendale United Methodist Church provided an ideal setting for the duet. The sanctuary’s acoustics allowed the harmonies to resonate fully, particularly in the final moments when the two melodies intertwined. The audience responded with quiet attentiveness, drawn into the emotional weight of the piece and the sincerity of its delivery.
Within the broader program of Holly, Jolly, and Gay!, “The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth” stood out as a contemplative and deeply human moment. Through their thoughtful interpretation, Jim Beaty and Chuck McSorley honored the legacy of Bowie and Crosby while offering a performance that felt especially relevant, reminding listeners of the enduring hope for peace that lies at the heart of the season.