Harry Simeone Chorale "The Little Drummer Boy"

[radioham67]

nice classice phonograph player! room filling volume...and the lights are tops too

[tpcrb]

This is the version that made the tune famous,, and still the best version.

[Varnerhogg1]

I looked up Harry Simeone on Wikipedia and discovered that in 1958 he took an obscure song titled "Carol of the Drum", changed the name to The Little Drummer Boy, and released it on his album "Sing We Now of Christmas". When I saw the name of the album I remembered it from when I was 8 years old and we would play it on the old record player. What wonderful memories and this is by far my favorite version of this beautiful Christmas song. Thanks to whomever posted this.

[ChihuahuaboyDH]

This is my favorite Christmas song, as well as my favorite version. This is the best version, & all other versions of "The Little Drummer Boy" are inferior by comparison.

R.I.P., Harry Simeone. Your immortal holiday classic is still popular to this very day.

[Elaine1970inNJ]

I thought I was the only one that got emotional with this song. This is my favorite song too and the Harry Simeone Chrole version. I softly cry some tears when I hear it because it was so powerful. Thank you for posting!!

[CanadiAnnie]

Absolutely gorgeous !

[tyclor99]

I was born in 1992 and am currently in college. When this song comes on the radio I close my door and turn this all the way up and just close my eyes and smile. I feel bad for everyone who doesn't appreciate the peacefulness and meaning this song symbolizes. Merry Christmas everyone :) I can't wait to go home so I can enjoy the important things this season brings, like spending time with family and friends.

[hfontaine8]

The song itself is beautiful, but I just cannot listen to any version other than this one because of how perfect it is.

[Elaine1970inNJ]

@hfontaine8 I agree 110%

[wanttogotoengland]

I was born in1992, and this is my favourite Christmas song, I think the love for it was handed down from my grandma, because it's her favourite as well.

[notunderage1000]

Like so many others who posted, I first heard this in 1958 the year it was released and this is still my favorite version. I was 7 years old then and it still captures the magic and the joy of Christmas for me.

[Hawkeye935]

I used to sit in our living room with all lights out except for the christmas tree lights,and listen to a christmas album that included this recording.The lights always seemed to blink in time with whatever song was playing.Very special memory.

[tyclor99]

best version of the best christmas song

[streeTkiDwannaBe]

I FOUND IT!!!! The version I grew up with as a kid!! I am so estactic right now. Time to play this and Bing Crosby's White Christmas nonstop til Christmas comes. By the way, I'm 24 (the top two comments were saying they were in their 50's).

[JLenoC6]

My favorite version of the coolest Christmas song EVER!!! Christmas morning I wake the WHOLE house up to this.(if anyone stays over after the Christmas Eve party.)

[MistletoeMalley]

If I only had one song I could listen to the whole Christmas season this could be it. There are plenty of beautiful songs out there, but no matter where I am, if this song comes over a stereo or a radio, I stop in my tracks. I had this version on an album that also had the song Do You Hear What I Hear on it. I wore that vinyl out many years ago.

[scottiechris]

Whenever I want to feel the holyness of the christmas season this is the one I like to hear. Fifty -odd years and it still makes me feel those feelings. Amazing.

[MasakoXer]

My very grandmother's voice is in there. She was singing it. :D

[jkschlomer]

My four year old grandson and I agree that this is our favorite Christmas choral, we sing it together, very meaningful to me. Thank you!

[CCthebat]

Best version of that song, but I will say, the beginning part of the song always gets my heart racing. Kinda unusual, but true.

[MeIsGoodPerson]

Those fat guys saying "rum" scare me

[CarbLoversDiet]

I agree with many others. This is the best version of TLDB ever, and my all time favorite Christmas song.

[Republicrat74]

I've loved this version since hearing it in 1958, my first Christmas home from the Air Force. The radio was on at work as some of us were wrapping gifts. It brought tears to my eyes recalling the tenderness I felt for a former girlfriend....who had been a Drum Major.

[doris780]

Thanks for sharing this with us- Merriest of Christmasses to you and yours!

[VIDEOHEREBOB]

It isn't Christmas without hearing this version. Thanks for the post.

[stupidsexyflanders81]

Best version of this song thanks!

[JoshuaMallalieu]

Childhood Christmas memories! My favorite version of all!

[hyancinth70]

This is my favorite version of all.

[pbatommy]

My all time favorite Christmas song!

[gatorfan1233]

Merry christmas

[wesleyg60]

my all time favorite,, Got my daughter hooked on it

[thesagebrushkid]

I have heard so many versions done of this classic and yet this is still my favorite version. I remember as a Kid I had this version on a 45. Thanks so much for hosting this and bringing back some wonderful childhood memories

[mancalledT]

Christ, can you save me please ? please........ I know you can hear me. You are so loved by this song, you must be in the mist of it............. Please please grant me a miracle....please.............

[RavenAnonymous]

Hey GregBarrett, I'm sure you are asked this a lot, but do you know where I might obtain a copy of this song? All I hear and can find is the re-recording (with the slower tempo finale.) I have the album and been listening to it all my life, every Christmas without fail. My copy is scratched, worn out when I commited it to audio tape in 1978, and from that copy to CD in 2008.

[jazzliscious13]

I could be wrong, but wasn't it Harry Simeone that composed this song? I've got something on the order of four different copies of this album and two or three of the 45's. I've got the original 1958 version, a couple 1960's versions, and one 1970's version. All in good shape. My 45's of this song are distorted in the highs though, either from faulty pressings or from being played with ten-pound needles. It's a shame, because otherwise they are very clean. The first (I think), the BEST!

[star1grace1]

im a freshman at an amazing school and i just want to thank Mrs. Tanner for having my class plus 100 other girls singing this song. I love our alot part. Prum pa pa pa pum pa pa pa pum. This song always makes me want to cry because even though he didnt have a gifl for Jesus he played his drum and he played his best then Jesus smiled:) makes me happy/sad.

[star1grace1]

at first i was scarred

[leeleechristmaslover]

Only 8 more weeks!

[Ivyandstone]

Ah, my very favorite version of this song, the BEST one, in my opinion. I always turn it up on the radio at Christmas when it comes on. I love the hesitation before the one line, and the more hushed tones, after the drumming -- "... then, he *smiled* at me!"

It was such a cute tv special too -- narrated by Loretta Young, I think.

[pannoni1]

I now have accumulated 100 Christmas 45s- enough to fill my jukebox. It really is a unique experience; just change the records at the beginning of the season; if you have more than enough to fill your jukebox, change again about two weeks before Christmas with the others. My collection ranges from a couple Nutcrackr excerpts, to traditional, to lots of 1940s-80s pop songs and even a couple from the '90s. Why play the same artist when you can mix it up?

[MrGurlyboy]

Worst song ever.

[swinson1000]

@MrGurlyboy this song rock so blow

[MrGurlyboy]

@swinson1000 Yeah whatever.

[swinson1000]

@MrGurlyboy yeah what whatever scrooge

[MrGurlyboy]

@swinson1000 Scrooge repented, I'm Marley.

[2000toddowen]

Maybe it's just me, but I can detect a tinge of fear and urgency in this song. It was originally released during the Cold War, as daily came the news of the superpowers latest step towards annihilating all mankind. A need to make things right in the eyes of The Lord was strong. Such a beautifully spiritual song. There's still a need for it to this day.

[MommyKamikaze]

there is this guy who drives by the apartment late every night blasting this song with the windows down. it is the end of may. what the fuck?

[ewd76]

This is one Christmas song that I can listen to any season of the year.

[Azotronia]

My parents played this song every Christmas as far back as I can remember. What memories! I miss those days. Thank you for the post.

[CrummyCurtis]

Yes, this is the original 1958 20th-Fox version, and not the 1965 re-make for Kapp Records. The difference between the two is the 20th-Fox version fades, while the Kapp version ends clean.

[jackslicl100]

i have yet to hear a version of this song that beats the original. thanks for posting,,,,,

[looneybun1]

i have been trying to find the original, is it on youtube? and who sang it, i have been mad searching for it. lol

[jackslicl100]

@looneybun1 this IS the original. GREAT song

[PizzaPartySkipper]

This is the original, and the best version of the song, nothing beats the original.

[gazhandrail]

I grew up in the 50's listening to this on the radio every Christmas. Yes to everyone who says there is nothing like it. Thankyou You tube and whoever posted it.

[abcbvb2b3]

No other arrangement of this song will hold a candle to this. And nothing like the warm analog sound from vinyl. Thanks for posting!

[FindaSilverLining]

I agree!

[soapmaker777]

There are many different versions of this song, but this is the only one I will listen to. "Then He smiled at me" puts a tear in my eye every time I hear it

[FindaSilverLining]

Me too!

[bullittguy]

when i was little i found this record in my parents record collection, it became my favorite! im surprised i didnt wear it out.. nomatter what i am doing if this song comes on, i must stop and listen to it! thanks for posting

[Republicrat74]

The very first time I heard it in 1958 it brought tears to my eyes, and it still tugs at my heart after all these years!

[FindaSilverLining]

I love it so much too :)

[puzny]

This version is second to none. Thanks for posting it!

[CRAZYEMOGIRL666]

thank you for posting this ive been looking for it for a VERY long time thank you

[jrhcj]

My favorite Christmas song! I'm in my late 50's and still get emotional whenever I hear it.

[FindaSilverLining]

I do too! I love this song...it's my favorite Christmas song.

[bjonas0725]

Thank you so much for posting this, I've been looking EVERYWHERE for it!

[banditsmomma]

My all time fav Christmas song :)

[0121952]

this is a beautiful song. Thank you.

[teapo23]

Ah! I finally found it! I'd heard this version on the radio and it immediately became my favorite rendition. Beautiful! Thanks for posting it :)

[skrat5]

To be there; in that place; at that time. Wow! Thanks for posting.

[splpeo]

true feelings of christmas,we don't have much to offer the king,yet He accepts us for who we are,and the talents He has given us.Amen

[Carltube1]

Best version of this song, that annual show they had from the late 70s that had stick figure animation wasn't too bad either.

[snowsorceress]

Wow, sounds SO much better on a record! No contest! Thanks for this :D

[Imaroughboy2]

I was born in 1959........my Dad played this on Christmas Eve as long as I can remember. He still has the original LP to this day.

I would further have to say next to "I'll be Home for Christmas" this is my favorite Christmas song.

The words to this song have so much value. The music only compliments the entire work.

[RepublicanTorture]

Yep every new version of this is missing that basso continuo and they really suffer for it.

[beancat]

I agree; this is the BEST version! It makes me cry too. I used to watch the animated story every Christmas (guess it's "Christian" to air now). I had the record and everything! It was played every year at Christmas on Baltimore stations.

[jmcraven1]

This is by far the best version. I remember it so vividly as a 7 year old back in 1958. None of the newer versions do it justice. It surely brings the Christmas memories back. Thanks

[AndiePanicka]

I get the chills each time I hear this song. Tears me up too. :) Thank you for posting this.

[Oldiesbuff925]

A top 5 fav of mine during Christmas, and each and every time I hear it, just brings me to tears. Love it!

[n2valus61]

Still makes me cry...my all-time favorite version of this song! God bless!

[xLinaChansDEADx]

Man this song gives me the shivers! This was the first version of this song that I ever searched for and leaped with joy when I found it.

[Mr0968]

Thanks for the memories. I was just a kid growing up in the ghetto in a place called Lincoln Heights in Washington D.C. This song was the only Christmas I had and it meant so much.

[mdmomof7]

I love it too, Mr. 0968 and DC is my home too! God Bless you!

[nycterrana]

This has always been my favorite Christmas song, I'm so glad I found it. Thank you so much for letting me hear it again.

[tommyboy6494]

I get a very hard and long lasting boner whenever I hear this classic... cum pretty strong and long too!!!

[ChristmasBelle25]

The original is still the best, no other version can campare to this one, one of my fave songs and christmas of all time.

I love traditional christmas music.

[frankray3]

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!! I never knew who sang this song originally until just now. I cant begin to tell you what this song means to me. Please just know it gives me great peace. MERRY CHRISTMAS

[theworld4449]

thank you for the post it's my favorite Christmas song out of them all!!!

[shade231]

hell with what anyone says. You can't get that sound quality from a cd.

Ah the sound of crisp vinyl.

[leopardmary]

Ain't nothing like the real thing baby..thanks so much for the post Greg,happy holidays!!!!

[Grey9man]

The first time I remember hearing this was when I was in first grade in 1964. It continues to be one of my most favorite songs of all time. Being a drummer too really makes it that much more special! Thanx for putting the song on!!!

[gregbarrett9]

You're welcome.

[nakamichiguy]

Great vintage phonograph! What kind is it?

[gregbarrett9]

The description is on my front page.

[DJPsychoDTM]

...this is the only version I ever want 2 hear of this song. Ever. Gives me chills....

[williewet1]

This is the best version of one of the best pieces of music ever written. Worth listening to it all year round, not just at christmas.

[2mouth17]

I have my parents album with the original speaking parts inbetween songs Beautiful. Bought the Cd but it was like a compilation without the original production. Please someone do the original In Called Sing We Now Of Christmas The Harry Simeone Choir with Brass Choir and Orchestra by 20th Century Fox (3002)

[maryanne151]

Is it just me or does this sound pretty good for 1958 vinyl. This has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs and no one did it better than the Harry Simeon Chorale. My ex was a real grinch. Hated Christmas music in general and this song in particular. All the more reason for me to love it.! I love the decor as well. Must try it myself.

[gregbarrett9]

Thanks. The record is in very good condition for its age.

[ttlms]

@gregbarrett9 You've taken good care of it, obviously!

[tubalador]

anybody got the Jack Halloway Singers version?

[tubalador]

My bad, "The Jack Halloran Singers" version?

[tigup813]

how fucking ignorant you truly are!

[LoomVideos]

Makes me think of Ian and Lesley.........

[stonecatss]

original version all right, but the sound is off mike .. I posted a video of one of my recordings.

[misonkop]

The best version of this song. O holy night is also another great song by Harry Simeone Chorale. I can't find their version anywhere on here.

[ttlms]

The very first CD I ever bought on eBay was a compilation of such songs as this, White Christmas by Bing Crosby, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire by Mel Torme, and other great classics. It was $3. This was the song I bought it for.

[982Munchie]

Beautiful! There is another version from the same era, purely instrumental and heavy on pipe organs...almost sounds like a military march...anyone know which version this was?

[nurselady83]

love this song, I could listen to this year around. You can't hear this kind of Christmas music today anymore.

[JeffN727]

I also have this 45, and made a video this past Christmas time, but my version got blocked.

[1prairiegal]

Many thanks for posting this version.......as others have said it is the best. Too bad that few appreciate the beauty of the way carols were sung 30+ years ago. My thanks again and Merry Christmas to all.

[KooLxAiDxLoVa]

yes, this is the best version. the one I've been looking for.

:D

[MiguelDante]

By far, the greatest version of this song!

[jammies3]

This is very much a case of "the original is always the best" version of this song...

I remember this from childhood, and they just "don't make 'em like this anymore"...

I absolutely HATE "jazzed-up 'Christmas carols'"!!!!!!!

[Zeke1950]

I remember when this one came out. Thank you very much for having it and for sharing it with us. And the Merriest of Christmas's and the Happiest of New Years to everyone.

[poeticinjustice13]

but of course!

[hellsbellspapa]

Another follow-up point, and probably somewhat immaterial to this song -- that HAS to be beautiful woodwork in that house -- the reflection of the Christmas lights shows how it must be heavily varnished. That, and the fact that it's so dark, IMHO, the epitome of the best look for not only older buildings, but even for many new buildings today. Again, just a side point. Merry Christmas!

[hellsbellspapa]

This is THE version of this song -- and, from the YouTube entries I've checked out (two or three others), the best sound thus far. BTW -- If a singer can't say "Baby Jesu", "Baby Jesus", etc. in verse two, but insists on substituting a generic, nameless "little baby" instead, he ought not sing the song at all. Just a point that came to mind. Thanks much for this!

[ClassicsHouse]

Thanks for this! Wow :)

[allgoraro]

Wow! This is such a beautiful version of this. I think of what the song means to me and I am sure it must be the same for you. Thank you!