Little Drummer Boy - Definition and Overview

"Little Drummer Boy" is a Christmas song from 1958 (words and music by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone).

The lyrics tell the apocryphal story of a poor young boy who, unable to afford a gift for the infant Jesus, plays his drum for the newborn with the Virgin Mary's approval.

It has become a holiday standard covered by numerous artists in various musical styles. It was recorded by Bing Crosby, who later performed it as a duet with David Bowie, adding new lyrics. Later still, Bob Seger recorded a rock version. In 2004, Jessica Simpson and her sister Ashlee recorded a duet of the song.

In 1968, Rankin-Bass produced a stop motion animated Christmas television special based on the song. It aired for several subsequent Christmas seasons on the ABC Network in the USA.