Little Drummer Boy

Today is September 16, 2009 and for THE PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN then It's 100 days before CHRISTMAS 2009. YUP!! The Philippines has the longest CHRISTMAS SEASON which officially starts on the so-called BER MONTHS and I guess that would be September One. The "Little Drummer Boy" is a popular Christmas song, with words and music by KATHERINE K. DAVIS. The most popular version was the one sung and recorded by THE HARRY SIMEONE CHORAL. HENRY ONORATI and HARRY SIMEONE have been credited with writing the song, even though they were only the arrangers for their recordings of it which is also known as the "Carol of the Drum" transcribed from a traditional Czech carol back in 1941. It's officially 100 Days before PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS 2009, so here It goes another "The Dr. Stirring Rhod Way" blogpost entitled "LITTLE DRUMMER BOY". Personally, I love this song and whenever I hear this It really creates goosebumps all around reminding me that CHRISTMAS is indeed just around the corner like any other CHRISTMAS CAROLS which are being played very early here in MANILA.Well, comparing in the 80s and 90s the celebration of PINOY CHRISTMAS was really felt very early but in these days It's very different. I guess time have changed the overall concept of the BER MONTHS but still PINOYS are always there to celebrate the CHRISTMAS SEASON in any form of simplicity even during difficult times. The fact of celebrating it with the family, love ones, and friends are good enough to take the lead for everyone. Well, with much of politics all around here in MANILA nowadays I guess we still have to remember this important season of LOVE, JOY,HAPPINESS and of course THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. I decided to feature this classic CHRISTMAS CAROL.


Henry Onorati arranged the song for a recording by the Jack Halloran Singers on Dot Records back in 1957, but was not released in time for Christmas. I guess It's not really time for the song to be heard that time. Harry Simeone re-arranged the song in 1958 and retitled it for his Chorale's hit single version which was issued on a 45rpm picture sleeve by 20th Fox Records then It was followed by an LP release entitled "Sing We Now of Christmas" which then became a hit. The company then became known as 20th Century Fox Records in 1963 which reissued and retitled their album and by this time It was called "The Little Drummer Boy: A Christmas Festival" to boost up sales even higher because the original 45-rpm single had continued to be a seasonal hit. In the 1980s, it was released on CD by Casablanca Records with the 1963 re-issue title, but without the "original version" credit. Harry Simeone signed to Kapp Records in 1964 and recorded a new version of "The Little Drummer Boy" in 1965 on Kapp K-711 with a 45rpm picture sleeve. Well, I think that's enough info about The Little Drummer Boy and let's go to the different versions that I'll be featuring here on "The Doctor Is In". We will not be including those original versions but instead those renditions that I love to listen to. YUP!! I uploaded FOUR of my favorite "Little Drummer Boy" versions for you to listen to and download here in my little blog. ENJOY THE MUZIC guys!!


LITTLE DRUMMER BOY- MIRACLE LEGION
Listen Here:


DOWNLOAD HERE:



LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
-JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS
Listen Here:


DOWNLOAD HERE:



LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
- SHANGHAIED
Listen Here:


DOWNLOAD HERE:


Btw, SHANGHAIED is a PINOY ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND. I featured this PINOY CHRISTMAS ALTERNATIVE ROCK COMPILATION entitled "CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS" last CHRISTMAS SEASON 2008. Check it out by clicking the photo of my CD and cassette tape.


Definitely, "Little Drummer Boy" is a classic Christmas Carol!! I still remember back in GRADE ONE when we use to dance this tune as a statue dance. Hmmmp!! MEMORIES INDEED!! I'll leave you with this last version from BONEY M. and I also included the lyrics.


LITTLE DRUMMER BOY- BONEY M.
Listen Here:


- Boney M. Lyrics


DOWNLOAD HERE:


I hope you guys liked my "LITTLE DRUMMER BOY" blogpost which just reminds us that CHRISTMAS is coming. MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!! THANKS AGAIN for dropping by.


Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum!!
-DR. STIRRING RHOD