Harry Simeone Chorale "Little Drummer Boy" on The Ed Sullivan Show

[@PaulMcElveen]

I was born in the very late Autmn of 1978. My dad played this version Every Christmas Morning on the Stereo to let my older brother, mother and I to know it was Christmas Morning and time to open presents that Santa Claus had brought the night before and placed under the tree! Then to my maternal Grandmother's House to celebrate the rest of the holiday season! Best Version Ever! Wonderful Childhood Memories!

[@judithgraham7218]

Me too wish I could go back I turned 79 today by the Grace of God have a good Christmas everyone 🎄

[@Marrio49]

Same to you. I turn 75 dec 17

[@Cherryyl-vv4gs]

The best drummer boy Christmas song ever

[@josemartinez-nl8dn]

Totally Agree by Far

[@gentrystinnetti8277]

This is the best original song of the little Drummer boy

[@edgetaker]

Brings tears to my eyes..reminds me of my youth and family and friends no longer with us. Beautiful.

[@harryjones2420]

I got this 45 rpm record when I was around 6 or 7. Brings christmas thoughts to me.

[@bbs5ekata]

Yes. I'm sitting here, a 58 year old man, weeping for the past, lost Christmases and family now gone. The lovely innocence and beauty of those Christmases.

[@franky528]

Christmas always does that. I find myself driving bye there house's on Cristmas Eve even though their and there family's arent there anymore

[@colonelfire6404]

Definitely brings tears to my eyes as there are many family and friends no longer with us that shared my memories as a child

[@donaldmarusak6501]

AMEN!

[@PaulMcElveen]

Merry Christmas 2024! God Bless! Peace on Earth!

[@DilshH]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@roberteckler177]

This is the very first version of this song that I ever heard, and it has always been my favorite. No other version has ever come close to this one.

[@davidrofulowitz7538]

Exactly the way it should be sung, IMO...too many other versions try to put a different spin on it, but for me this is the definitive version. And hard to believe it's live, too...

[@FORDRANGERFAN]

Same here, my favorite version by far.

[@dtnetlurker]

The Vienna Boys Choir version from 68 is the only other version that comes really close for me.

[@livelifeincolour]

The build up before the last line is the best part.

[@vivecacrews8915]

Me too! We played it over and over!

[@murielcoppage5122]

Absolutely the best version of this Christmas song!! Thank you.

[@rkmklz7562]

This is the Greatest Version of this Song...😊..A Real Classic doing The Holidays 🎄

[@sharonpolikoff7282]

So beautiful...after all these years, it still makes me cry.

[@lightofthejul]

I think so too ! Still my favorite ! Still brings me to tears ! 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@DuneWest]

I believe this to be the best, most humble Godly rendition of the song "Little Drummer Boy"---very very powerful. There are many other versions sung by other choirs and singing artists, but none come close to the way the Harry Simeone Choir performs it. I hear many other newer versions of the song over the radio stations, and none sound or are performed as good and as heavenly divine as this one does. Merry Christmas and God bless you all and your families. Mark Luke 2: 8-20 John 3:3

[@dancingtrout6719]

another man recorded it with the same choir..so there you go

[@livelifeincolour]

Completely agree with you!... My grandmother had a record of it and it just stuck with me all these years as the best version.

[@lucilledavidson4502]

You are right, this version sounds spiritually inspiring.

[@joylewis8929]

Well said 👏 👌 👍 🙌 😌

[@quasimodo5405]

Well said and 100% correct. There has NEVER been anything close to this ever sang before or after. This is the Godly perfection.

[@bcgrittner]

Back in 1962 my school district had a select group of 5th and 6th graders that formed a choir called The Sparkletones. We participated in the annual Christmas concert at the high school. One of our numbers was Little Drummer Boy. Now it’s 2024. I’m 72. I still remember my part in that song. My director is now 92. Great memories.

[@CathyLahr]

Remember hearing this as a small child. Absolutely beautiful!

[@debdessaso]

The women's voices are in complete harmony; you can't tell who is singing soprano or alto...which is the way a professional should be.

[@mescko]

I would also point out that by many people's standards, this is a 'small' choir, as was the Roger Wagner Chorale (Little Drummer Boy and Joy to the World being far and away my two favorite Christmas records). Messiah likewise was not written for 5000 voices. My father (and I, I will admit) disdained the 'wall of sound' that you hear from the likes of MTC, blend becomes lost and irrelevant. The pleasure and joy I receive from hearing a superlative, 'normal' choir with precise diction and practiced and seamless blend leaves the 'stadium' sound of a giant choir in the dust. The same reason I love top-tier small ensembles like the King's Singers (who I have been fortunate to hear in person a number of times).

[@holtridge7337]

Yeah

[@richardrice40]

It wasn't Christmas 'til dad broke out the Harry Simione chorale album. Memories of a simpler(for me) time.😀🎄

[@kevinguitar1224]

I had the album as well, wish i still had it!

[@geraldhague6170]

Agreed my dad love this album it gave me goose bumps& still today it does

[@geraldhague6170]

I think i have this album not sure

[@richardrice40]

@@geraldhague6170 My dad wore this record out, we dreaded(lol) the holiday season knowing dad was going to play this non stop. Boy I miss those days.🙁

[@dean9235]

Nothing is simple about life nowadays. It just gets more and more stressful as the noose tightens around the neck of the human race I'm sorry to say. I hate it.

[@josemartinez-nl8dn]

The best version ever from the little drummer boy

[@josemartinez-nl8dn]

The best Christmas Melody

[@RobertSilvestri86]

I agree with the exception of The Vienna Boys Choir as featured on The West Wing.

[@laraschauble]

Yep

[@kodiakbearson8815]

Well, here it is, the most angelic version of this song. How very beautiful. Been listening to this for 60 years. It has the same effect it did as the first time I heard it,....... Butterflies in the stomach, joy in the heart and tears running down the cheeks. Simply beautiful and timeless song. Merry Christmas everyone.

[@bbs5ekata]

I feel the same.

[@franky528]

Wow! Its that old 1959!..I was 2yrs old! my third Christmas

[@andreaf.6572]

I’ve heard this for years at Christmas on the radio. Love to see the actual group performing it. Thanks for posting.

[@josephschauster3689]

Same with me

[@janiebear7]

I know right?! This is lovely!

[@xavierdh2000]

Amen

[@Phoenix85006]

Agree 100%!

[@TxTrouble]

Was thrilled to find this as well. I've grown up with this version.

[@jerseytomato100]

"Then He smiled at me, me and my drum" ...gets me right in the feels.

[@mahumike7531]

Cant believe this exists! THANK YOU

[@jimh4005]

That part beginning at the 2:52 mark: "I play my drum for Him, I play my best for Him." always touches my heart. 💖

[@allanbard6048]

And can you imagine the baby Jesus smiling at you?

[@uuuultra]

@@allanbard6048adult

[@emildimofte6538]

The World is ,NOTHING!!!without GOD!!!!🙏🌿GOD is ONE for ALL!!!CHRIST is the only SAVIOUR and the only GATE to peace and LOVE!!!!AMEN!!!!🙏🌿🙏🌿🙏🎼🙏🎼✨👍✨🌟🙏🙏🌟✨🌿♥️🌟🙏❤️

[@williamslater-o5b]

That is hands down, the absolute best version of drummer boy . Chocks me up every time

[@nildarodriguez3974]

I'm old enough to say I saw this show when aired. Love the good old days.❤

[@shyman99]

Such a historic video. The legendary recording was released the prior year in 1958, but there is no known video in existence earlier than this one in 1959. So there's a good chance that most of these performers were responsible for the vocals on that timeless recording.

[@KMK7355]

Any idea who any of the singers are? Any articles? I would think most of the singers are gone but would like to know.

[@shyman99]

@@KMK7355 - I wish I knew. In another posting of this recording on KZbin someone stated a relative was part of the group, but I could not get a reply back from him. I keep hoping relatives will spot a loved one in this video and speak up.

[@donaldmarusak6501]

The TRAPP FAMILY did the original in 1951.

[@KMK7355]

Found any info on the singers? I can't find anything.

[@shyman99]

@@KMK7355 - It's been years and not one person has identified their family member. Such a shame because these amazing vocalists deserve to be named and their family members aware. You just have to believe they witnessed how special their recording was to the world before they departed.

[@johnsampson1096]

This classic completes the holiday spirit each year! I was ten when this album was released in 1958. I'm now 76!.............

[@AP-gl3ki]

Not only do I find this to be the timeless and best version of this song, its simplicity in arrangement belies the message of the song itself: you don't need gifts to celebrate Christmas. We ourselves are the gifts we give to each other. If you listen closely to this version, their original 1958 version, and any other version of this piece worth its salt, there is and should be a pause between the boy's drum playing and baby Jesus smiling in approval, and that, for me, is the magic of Christmas, and the specialness of this song. All the boy could do was play his drum, and that was enough.

[@josephschauster3689]

Sounds exactly like the original and it's live too. Cool

[@shyman99]

They slowed the tempo quite a bit, but it sure does sound like the original recording otherwise.

[@josephschauster3689]

@@shyman99 agree

[@RobertSilvestri86]

@@shyman99 They did. It should sound like the original. They did it in '58. 🎶😉

[@shyman99]

@@RobertSilvestri86 - You may have missed my separate comment underneath this video where I detail the date and personnel.

[@jaredjds2011]

Play at 1.25x speed :)

[@jerrycoleman5448]

The definitive version--------period.

[@PaulMcElveen]

Happy Christmas 2024!

[@luciabarletta2576]

Wonderful ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@arippleeffect3415]

Hands down the best ever.. Chokes me up everytime I hear it. Complete harmony and the baritones in the background are fabulous.

[@jthyme7940]

I always thought the female voices were little kids. LOVE this video. LOVE the song. My late mom's favorite Christmas song.

[@livelifeincolour]

I never realized it was a choir... I thought it was just one woman

[@mescko]

@@livelifeincolour That's what makes a great choir.

[@rgd963]

best Version ....EVER!

[@Kmi4880]

I'm in my late 60's and we always listened to them every Christmas. We wore out two albums and I now have the cd that I've uploaded onto my computer. They are the absolute best. This and Go Tell It On The Mountain.

[@eddiesajewski]

Brings Tears to my eyes as I remember the times of my Christmas past when I was just a kid .

[@claudettelewis-smith1133]

One of my favorite Christmas songs. They don't make music like this anymore.

[@ivanstruiksma6369]

I remember when my second grade teacher, Mrs. Hart played this song on the record player. I immediately wanted to hear it again. Precious memories of a period of time when you were allowed to play Christmas Music.

[@warriyorcat]

I am so grateful to my mother and my grandmother for introducing me choral christmas music. I have much enjoyed listening to Harry Simeone, Fred Waring, Anita Kerr etc. on Christmas instead of modern renditions, which don't quite capture the spirit quite like this.

[@jasonwilliams1708]

Christmas music isn't made like this anymore, and hasn't been for a long time. Nothing beats the old school Christmas music....Nothing...

[@uuuultra]

❤

[@KMK7355]

Gee not being hostile this time?

[@janieg8287]

I was one year old when this song came out. When I was about five or six it was my favorite Christmas song, so my parents bought me ttheir album for Christmas LOL

[@allenjones3130]

Harry Simeone and his Chorale introduced this revered sacred carol in 1958, and their version is haunting yet also stirring.

[@stevephla]

Gold Standard

[@christinasarmiento503]

My father would play these song on his record player every Christmas holiday. It must of been 1975. By far these is soo beautiful n makes me 😔 cus father ..Korean war vet has passed n now i cry as i listen to these version...miss him sooo much papi. I still listen to your favorite christmas songs..

[@uuuultra]

❤

[@lynettepalecek3141]

I was almost 7 years old when this was on the air. I was born on Christmas Eve in 1956.

[@frederickrapp5396]

Was this Ed Sullivan Show from Christmas 1963?

[@lynettepalecek3141]

​@@frederickrapp5396I read the description again and I realized that I made a mistake about the year that this was shown. I thought it was shown in 1963, but it was shown in 1959. I was 2 years old, almost 3 years old when this was shown. I was extremely tired when I watched this video very late at night. Thank you for pointing that out to me.

[@lynettepalecek3141]

​@@frederickrapp5396Oops. I'm sorry about that. After your comment, I went back to the description of the video and I realized I had the wrong year. I was watching this video very late at night. This show was on the air in 1959- not 1963. Thank you for catching that and pointing it out to me. 🙂

[@nettiegurl]

omgosh I agree with everyone here... the first time I heard this on the radio, it brought me to tears it's so untimely beautiful. The ladies singing in perfect harmony to tell who's high or low voiced. The men in perfect sync with their "rum pum pum'"s. Like a professional choir ♥

[@shamuspeters3734]

When TV was TV !!!!! Greatest show going at the time !!!!!!!

[@ChrisMiccolupi-j5e]

It's not Christmas until you hear this

[@gaynorpatterson2915]

By far the best version of this beautiful song.

[@beverlyjordan8957]

My first time hearing this group. It’s absolutely beautiful.

[@MineralGPK]

Indeed

[@dawnlowenstein8825]

This is such a sweet little song and certainly the Harry Simone Chorale does a stupendous job in singing!

[@StevenTorrey]

Such a charming song.... This is probably the first version of the song I ever heard.

[@brucekuehn4031]

I would have been 5 years old when this was on Sullivan. This was THE version for years and years when I grew up. Beautiful chorus with a very simple arrangement - a Christmas classic!

[@arturopg9600]

Someone said it below...this is such a humble and virtuous version of this classic, qualities which I feel are central to its message: true gifts come from the heart, not from riches, or stores, or anywhere else. Many other versions are louder, over-produced, uber orchestrated, modernized, and in those arrangements the essence of the song is lost. This is about doing your best, and it being good enough. Even for a Newborn King.

[@uuuultra]

❤

[@9090Glenn]

scintillating performances all around ... there is this surreal sense when you watch people sing like this - you see their mouths moving but you just cannot imagine that such a sound could possibly emanate from people - that is what watching this live does to you - how is it possible

[@MsRocka92]

It’s so beautiful! Perfection. Beautiful voices.

[@captainfanta8641]

Thank you for the song and memories. Been listening to this version for all of my 48 years, with many more to come. Respect to all of you, living and past.

[@uuuultra]

❤

[@toddholmes4480]

This is one of the most spine tingling, tear inducing Christmas carol ever!

[@ragnapodewski4694]

I believe, I have heard this version in summer (!) 1961 in Italian radio on the road to Venice and I never forget it.

[@Celluloidwatcher]

Thank you for the Ed Sullivan Show appearance of the Harry Simeone Chorale singing The Little Drummer Boy (original version) on the December 20, 1959 telecast on CBS-TV. Another wonderful find. The voices behind the classic Christmas song.

[@KMK7355]

Any info on the singers?

[@frederickrapp5396]

Somebody in the audience at 3:18 let out a big sneeze. Gesundheit!

[@partridgefamilybus2021]

NEVER GOT OLD. JUST BEAUTIFUL.

[@BradCarlMusic]

This is beautiful. I hope it never gets taken down.

[@jacobbump1282]

This is THE version for me... the rendition by this group that I grew up listening to; and thank you so much for posting, so that we may see this group perform it live. :-) Also, I think the Robert Shaw Chorale appeared on this show as well. Do you think you could post one with his group singing live? I would be so grateful; would love to see them too.

[@fuzztubeyou]

This was my father's favorite version of his favorite Christmas song, and our first year without him. Thank you for uploading!

[@larrywoolridge5359]

This is the best version of the little drummer boy period

[@philippesauvie639]

I’m 63 years old and this song is unequivocally my all-time favorite Christmas song, for epiphany. it is so beautiful it is heavenly! The lyrics and the characters epitomize for me what Christmas is all about, a recognition that God became incarnate and somehow it was the simplest of peoples, the poor shepherds who are the first to know this great news.

[@erickregalado4671]

My Mom used to play the vinyl of this choir every Christmas.... It wasn't Christmas without it... Missed those moments with family and friends..

[@unaffiliatedconservative]

none better than this.....

[@plasticbucket]

Not true.

[@hazelevans872]

Every time I hear this I get choked as my mum had this song on a 45 record and had been given to me as I enjoyed listening to this I remember taking it to school to be played at Christmas and always reminds me of my mum and dad and not longer with us 😢it’s the best version I think

[@edithwadley1360]

This reminds me of my choir class in elementary school.WE had to dress like that..THANKS MRS MIRAH Robinson A Good MUSIC TEACHER.. CHATTANOOGA TN

[@bbs5ekata]

The definitive version. It goes right to my soul and heart. The gentleness, and kindness and the kind mood it evokes is much needed, so precious.

[@jamesslick4790]

WOW!!! This was EPIC had to watch twice, I was blown away! Best version! (Live television MAKES it so REAL!) Sad what TV has devolved to. Our TVs are now the BEST EVER, Our TV shows are now the WORST ever! Sad!

[@MySherry10]

Absolutely beautiful, this is my favorite version of this wonderful song

[@Lenny-u6z]

How peaceful I am while this plays, how terrible the silence that follows.

[@angelajohnson9542]

🌲 MY. 🌟 FAVORITE. 🌲 CHRISTMAS. 🌟 SONG , 🎵 ,🎶, ,🎵 ,🎶 🎵 ,,💐🥰

[@mrwhite8444]

We had this album in the 60s in Bethlehem Pa my dad would put speakers outside and played it soft around Christmas time

[@jrutt2675]

Hey neighbor!

[@albondiga6267]

Ever since I was a little girl, this version always chokes me up. So beautiful.

[@kevindevine6780]

Whatever else they did ,they knocked it out of the park with this!!!

[@yolandajohnson8685]

so this them. I loved them and still do for many decades. I have always thought this was such a classy song

[@priscillagonzalez4882]

the Harry simeone choir singing in heaven 😍 with the angels 😇 💖 🙏

[@kikogarces]

Lo mejor en ejecución, armonía, belleza, paz, una versión entrañable, se siente la atmósfera navideña plenamente; evoca grandes momentos familiares. Saludos desde Monterrey, N.L.

[@jimkreider9997]

What a beautiful rendition of this marvelous song.

[@larryjojola3652]

Love this Song, since early child hood days in School in the 60's Our Christmas Program Song..We used to Sound just like them..Beautiful Song brings back the Good Old Days...

[@Greg763]

Holy smokes! That was absolutely beautiful

[@finnmccool684]

Always loved this one. Merry Christmas, Everyone.🎄

[@ChanaNewill]

It's my favorite Carol, THE little drummer boy was my favorite Chrismas show. U don t see it on air any more. Sad.

[@mikeclark8875]

a time in america that we so need in present day america

[@jf9488]

Sadly this country is too far gone. Jesus will return soon. ❤️

[@markdouglasbudka1116]

This is what television and music used to be like.

[@ffilchtaeh]

Always my favorite since childhood. Brought their recordings all around the world in my military days give me the feeling of peace. Thank you for posting this.

[@nicholasbartonlaw341]

Very delicately and beautifully sung with tremendous feeling. Great choir.

[@WGARVA]

Wow, this is iconic. 😊 No choreography. Classy.

[@AdamZiegler-c6c]

They are singing to the recorded version however this is timeless. Perfect. Few things tear me up, this is so beautiful it does.

[@doracervantes2788]

Que el niño Dios Reine en nuestros corazones y en nuestros hogares !!!

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

Amazing!

[@deborahsouth]

Absolutely love this so much!! Thank you for posting it! The singers look wonderful and so do the trees. Great memory!

[@normangeuder7806]

Very nice to see the group! Thank You!

[@toddthomas4674]

Beautiful, and enchanting. What a treat finally seeing this gem performed live.

[@jk22222sd]

My absolute favorite Christmas song! ❤🎄

[@montymartin3978]

Favorite song of all time.

[@cherixbiggs5819]

My Mother's favorite Christmas song. I remember when it was released in 1958. I was 6.....and it is my favorite Christmas song, too. Harry Simeone Choir -- nobody could ever do it like they did.

[@dancingtrout6719]

another recording was done by another man using the same choir.. so its a good choir ..smiles

[@cherixbiggs5819]

@@dancingtrout6719 God bless🙏🏻