Vince Guaraldi Trio - My Little Drum

On December 9, 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas aired on TV screens across America and instantly captured the hearts and ears of a generation. Bolstering the animated special, based on Charles M. Schulz’s immensely popular PEANUTS comic strip, was an engaging score from Bay Area jazz artist Vince Guaraldi, who brought characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy to life through his evocative cues.
Working primarily with bassist Fred Marshall and drummer Jerry Granelli, Guaraldi paired inspired interpretations of traditional holiday fare (“O Tannenbaum,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and “What Child Is This”) with original compositions, including the instantly recognizable “Linus and Lucy” theme, “Skating,” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” The latter song, available as both an instrumental and vocal track, featured young choral singers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, CA.
More than five decades later, the Emmy® and Peabody®-winning animated classic has spawned more than two dozen subsequent PEANUTS specials. Guaraldi’s soundtrack, meanwhile, has since become one of the best-selling jazz albums in history, second only to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, and regularly ranks among America’s top-selling holiday albums every December.
Music video by Vince Guaraldi Trio performing My Little Drum. (C) 2012 Concord Music Group, Inc.

[@quieroguataches]

For anybody still listening to this pearl I hope you had agood Christmas and new year, with family, or with friends, together or alone, I hope both your new years and Christmas was special and i toast to your well being and this better tomorrow, 2024, but please, Don't give up.

[@cellini051]

It's the middle of June and I'm sitting here crying over this song. When I was little we would always put this album on when we decorated the Christmas tree. I'm 20 now, and I know I'm not that old, but that feels like a lifetime ago. It's crazy how a song like this can take you on a journey. This whole album is amazing!

[@terrib-g8783]

I'm 53, and I still play this every year putting up the tree. And I still cry every year listening to this. It really harkens back to an easier time in my life.

[@seansullivan4709]

I'm 54 and it still brings tears to my eyes! Enjoy!!

[@itzz_da_marsh7]

Im 15 now and it’s the 3rd of July and im Listening to this and I still cry when listening to this

[@CappnRock]

Booo

[@serotoninsyndrome]

I feel you all, except for the heartless jerk-off that was edgy enough to reply "booo". Keep marching to the beat of that little drum in your heart and you'll always be ok, I can guarantee it...

[@davidcronin5511]

A little guy growing up watching the Peanuts in the early 1970's never really paid much attention to Vince Guaraldi's piano serenading him virtually throughout his childhood. Today, a 47 year old father can only now appreciate the deeply comforting melodies recalling the warm embrace of one truly incredible woman. Every note played in this song reminds him of a love like no other, and I am taken right back to that magical time still able to feel the heat from your heart. I miss you Mom.

[@elysa104l]

David Cronin you made me cry.

[@GeometryDashDyno]

That last sentence hit so hard

[@razorfett147]

As a 43 yr old, i couldn't have summed it up better....especially the missing my mom part.

[@ltcali]

beautifully said

[@Shutlingsloe]

Proustian.

[@tonyfelder1206]

This is certainly the coolest adaptation of this song.

[@jerrymuzak4534]

Best one on the soundtrack. Captures everything about the season, in 3 minutes 9 secs. Cold, dark starry nights. Frigid moon rises, late night rides in the hay fields, by candlelight, etc. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, to all. All the best for everyone, in 2020.

[@tes-uu9sf]

the smell of snow on the wind

[@jerrymuzak4534]

@@tes-uu9sf exactly. Merry Christmas.

[@kevinmcnamara2082]

Jerry Muzak back at ya! To you and yours!!!

[@jerrymuzak4534]

@@kevinmcnamara2082 Right on, man!

[@austinmo8324]

This comment didn't age well

[@SuperNiceguy555]

When i listen to this song i start crying because when we get older we miss that innocence of our childhood and i still miss that innocence

[@ultracalicokittycat]

it always makes me cry too!! Beegie Adair does a jazz version that also has that effect on me

[@creekstones6893]

I miss the innocence too. It's funny though, as a kid I think I looked forward to Christmas more for the presents than anything else. Yet now that I'm older I almost could care less about the presents I just want to experience that warm Christmas feeling again and everything that comes with the season because it really is magical.

[@nottelling4408]

You don’t have to let go of that innocence at all!

[@oscarl190]

we can loose the innocence but the feeling of wholesomeness remains

[@jasonlawson8980]

So beautiful it hurts a little. How something can sound so joyous and soaring, and yet be lightly tinged with melancholy...is brilliant

[@buddylarsen6647]

So is your comment ...it's brilliant

[@edcliffe2988]

This is the only version of this song that doesn't irritate me. I think it's because the piano provides the vocals and the voices support the music. Just soothing and beautiful.

[@cindindian137]

Absolutely! I love this but will skip any other version of Drummer Boy.

[@Zzyzzyx]

Same here.

[@MsNatalie132]

This and the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet

[@LSTNSCRFN]

The most underrated piece from The whole selection

[@TheBigODog]

Major facts it’s my favorite

[@melissaverastegui2795]

I listen to this entire album everyday..

[@Skepticfornow]

Based off of what rating system? Sounds like you pulled that statistic out of your ass...

[@charlottewest1799]

I agree 💯%! The Piano solo is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!

[@briandavey1139]

Simply amazing.

[@takingnone1780]

Another reason this album is unmatched is how incredible consistent each track is. Each comment section has people saying “this is my favourite one” and I think that is the best you can strive for when making an album. Even I struggle to find a favourite, because I will think one is but then listen to another and completely fall in love again.

[@spherostcg]

This made me tear up and i dont know why. I am at a very frustrating stage of my life and maybe I just remember hearing this with nothing but joy in my heart. Everything seems so complicated now. I long for that feeling of pure innocence and happiness and family in my childhood during Christmastime

[@DannyDoo-dl7yq]

bro I wish you feel better now. Christmas is coming up again and this year it's going to be so much better!!

[@DanRMorris]

Hope a year has made a difference and your world is full of smiles now.

[@ryans-d7d]

I hope you pull threw! The world has been cruel to me this year and idk if I’ll make another year, I’m still gonna try my hardest but sometimes that’s not enough. Hope for this year gets me out this rut.

[@lennyaugello2652]

After 2 years I'm hoping you're doing better. Remember that there are people who you don't even know that are pulling for you. And yes.... Pure innocence of youth can get you all the time... It's normal. God bless, and go out and be a blessing for someone else.

[@spherostcg]

Thank you everyone who reached out wishing me well this Christmas season. I thank God I have healthy family and friends and I have learned to appreciate the time I have with them, and around this Christmas season we were in high spirits and made time to cut out the stresses of the world. Reading these comments inspires me to pass forward love and positivity as often as possible because we all need those at a moments notice sometimes, it can make all the difference for someone.

[@sandrasgotvoice]

Who's here for it this year? The greatest jazz with a holiday twist. Thank you for the yearly blessing, Vince.🎄

[@buddylarsen6647]

I'm hear for it this ear!

[@williamanddeborahblount7758]

I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas the first time that it ever aired on television. 1965, on CBS affiliate Cannel 5, Atlanta. I was 8. The music has never left my mind. Guaraldi was blessed of the Lord from heaven. It was a better time, as Linus read from the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 what Christmas is all about and answered all of Charlie Brown's questions."11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"

[@37218]

Tears are flowing everytime I listen to this. Everytime. Just beautiful!

[@DanielMcCallum-yh1vt]

british guy here, living in spain. american friends introduced me to this album thi year. cramming this song in as many times as possibl before kings day ends here in spain

[@terrencejackson9759]

True, I am 51 now and I loved Charlie Brown specials

[@breakwater1168]

A Christmas masterpiece, never fails to get me in the warmest of moods.

[@KaliforniaKelly63]

A truly well-loved song of the 1960's, and it is a timeless classic, too! My kids go to sleep to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, every Christmas.

[@thompegg3100]

you need to be playing that every night then mama bear. at 7 o'clock on da dot.

[@TheGamingPolitician]

Literally one of my favorite pieces of music ever made

[@niteoul529]

This piece has the air of anticipation to it. You can just feel that something exciting is about to happen. I totally see the snow coming down outside the window as I listen and think of the joy of the coming celebrations with family and friends, as I sip a cup of warm marshmallowy hot chocolate. Very nice variation on an old classic.

[@007Tubedude]

Probably one of my favourite songs from Charlie Brown Christmas. Very calm and unique.

[@CarolineMartin]

As much as I love ALL the songs, esp Skating, this one moves me the most. So internal and reflective.

[@jessebrinck7731]

It brings me the best feeling of all the songs .. wonderful

[@Phentari]

@@MinnieMouse839 , it did. I believe it was when they were going to get the tree.

[@seldonsinq]

Very moving piece.

[@catfdljws]

@@MinnieMouse839 yup. i just watched again because someone asked if they were 'out' in the annual LDB game. It isn't actually in the show. 2 other points i thought it was there but it was Christmastime Is Here.

[@TheMfmccarthy]

Something incredible about this cover is that Vince arranged it ingeniously, building the music in the negative space around the original melody, so that when you sing the song original and straight, Vince turns you into a jazz musician by echoing and shifting chord voicings around the original melody in fascinating ways. A true genius, this man

[@seldonsinq]

I came here to comment about how hauntingly beautiful this song is and how it makes me tearful in a whimsical way... and I saw that many other people have already written something similar. It’s amazing how powerful music is.

[@polarchips]

Can't get over how beautiful 1:02 is. Just feels like Christmas : )

[@eddyvedder2000]

When the choir breaks into the "oooooOOOOOooooOOOoooOOOooooooo" part, you can just feel the magic.

[@DavidJEyre]

Yes! About to make the same comment. 1:02 to 1:12 is a marvelous transition.

[@xuscbausp]

This is the best song on the album right

[@davidtrousdale120]

This is still my all time favorite Christmas album. It has been since it was brand new in 65, when I was 5. Where has the time gone?...

[@GrantGannon8]

Vince was the man

[@mehul_bahinipati]

He is still the man

[@haventhebeast6050]

This song reminds me of Christmas eve laying down on my belly falling asleep waiting for Christmas day when i wake. It also is a little lonely yet not

[@BENJ1969]

My favorite Christmas song. Hauntingly beautiful. The backdrop here of a beautiful snow falling in the night time light is absolutely perfect, and vividly recalls some of my best memories listening to this song.

[@DanielMcCallum-yh1vt]

Was introduced to this album Christmas 2023... I still secretly play this gem. I may be as bold to say this is musical perfection this arrangement

[@ozdiaz3357]

The little drum they are singing about is each of our hearts. The rythym is in heartbeat pace.

[@Alvicbar]

Y'all don't realize this is as groovy as it gets.. San Francisco USA 65' groovy. Those background vocals are timeless...

[@jgfunk]

Alvicbar Vince was in a picture on the album "Aoxomoxoa" by the Grateful Dead.

[@No-jr8dx]

i love the shakers and claves

[@deedonnerramone4757]

Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Eve of Destruction, Moby Grape, Quick Silver, White Bird - Pretty darn groovy!!!

[@Terribleathletes]

Finally somebody who came here to listen to the music. Seems like all the comments on the Guaraldi Christmas tune videos are people crying about their dead relatives.

[@buddylarsen6647]

@@Terribleathletes Your comment seems cruel, but it snot

[@jamesbarrett5131]

It's just not Christmas without pulling this CD out of the drawer as winter draws near. His piano playing will never be matched

[@jamescrawford5772]

James Barrett amen

[@DanielSwartfiguer]

I don't remember this song in the Charlie Brown Christmas special but I discovered it on the soundtrack and it's my favorite song.

[@EnglishQueen1536]

Never fails to make me happy! Every time I listen to this song I get so nostalgic thinking back on all the Christmases when I was a little girl...:')

[@greaserbubtheoriginal7923]

+zeldageek 64 yes i agree wasnt life simple then lol and alls we wanted to do was grow up lol

[@megalon73]

Some one needs to make a documentary about this man? Vince Guaraldi. is amazing Jazz artist.

[@brianaucoin]

I totally disagree with the last comment below. Vince Guaraldi is ranked as one of the best Jazz pianist along side of Keith Jarrett, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Winton Kelley. His creation of a "Charlie Brown Christmas" is timeless and spectaclular!!

[@erossester5034]

I love and always loved this song. I fell in love with it since the very first seconds I heard it, when I was thirteen. Every year I listen to this album and it brings a lot of good memories and good moods.

[@bklyn2shoes]

Thank you for this masterpiece of music ❤

[@chimedemon]

This is the song for that bittersweet feeling you get when remembering your childhood. It’s good times, it’s bad times, and mostly it’s lonely times. Not even just the memory itself, but fully processing that you’re getting older and even that one day no one will remember who you were, and you may have lived your life without anyone truly understanding who you were as a person. It’s a really nice song...

[@haventhebeast6050]

Don't think about the people who will forget you, think about the people you've had an impact on that care about you right now time isn't linear it's corresponding al at once their is no past present or future we are always living in the moment so embrace it

[@MikeMeehan]

how is this pleasant, thrilling, beautiful, joyful, quirky, and sad all at the same time?

[@buddylarsen6647]

How is your question so honest and true, and so impossible to answer?

[@Tifcry84]

It’s June 22 can’t wait for Christmas

[@TashaWashington]

2022! I love this album so much and it makes me emotional everything I hear it around the holidays. It makes me think of my childhood and all those beautiful memories of those no longer with us physically ❤️ happy holidays to all! Especially those who are feeling lonely - you are not alone! ❤️‍🩹

[@faithmac3442]

Listening to this in the summer of 2018. It's enchanting all year round. ❤

[@ulrichvoenkaul3347]

It's really christmas, if I can take the good old Vinyl out of my record shelf and hear it together with my children and grand-daughter - great!

[@davidd6218]

I just remember when I was a kid and was mesmerized by this music and peanuts. I'm still in awe of this guy on the piano.

[@KevinSmith-di7rs]

The very best times of my life with out a doubt

[@CalmedByNature]

The best.

[@benextraanimates7398]

I'm 12 year's old but when I was younger my dad and I would watch the charlie brown movies

[@Fluffyduffs]

It amazes me how simple this song is... just a small choir, drum, and piano, but it creates a beautiful harmony. Simplicity is sometimes better than too much. Vince is the best at that :D

[@unoriginalusername1748]

This brings back such good memories of Christmas when I was little. We had the soundtrack on CD and would play it in the car all December.

[@diamonddave16]

great Christmas songs and what they celebrate, raises my enjoyment of music even more

[@meowstermeowster6223]

vince guaraldi one of the greatest musical geniuses ever to exist

[@lolamalu]

Who's listening in August 2020? So ready for Christmas. I think this song transmits pure christmas joy and makes one remember past christmases with special people, maybe folks that are no longer with us.

[@AndrewDrewJamison]

Oh god, its beautiful!

[@itzz_da_marsh7]

I remember when I was a kid on my dads side it was tradition to listen to this in the car on Christmas Eve and I still do this tho I’m 15

[@ChonkyCat9000]

Probably my favorite song from this trio

[@JenniferHudson3231]

The best music to put on while decorating the tree.😌

[@ATamandua]

SolanoSam, I hear you. But... 1. The people who are trying to make it worse on all of us will NOT, I repeat, will NOT, get away with it, no matter how terrible they make things. 2. Keep focused on Jesus, Who was the One that Charles Schulz focused this special on. (Remember Linus' quotation from the Gospel of Luke at the end? The studio execs in 1965 originally didn't want that, to which Schulz said, "Fine, you take that out, I'M out of here, too." Those same execs said (I kid you not) "My little drum" and the rest of Vince Guaraldi's music wouldn't be appreciated by the public, which has only made this one of the most favorited Christmas albums of all time.) I've read the end of the book...Jesus wins! And whatever troubles we've had here won't even be a memory in the blessed eternal glory to come. (Revelation 21 and onward.)

[@egreenbery]

Beautiful

[@LaserdiscOrganistAmericanOrgan]

CAN'T WAIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!!!

[@pianoman2276]

This song jogs my memory of early childhood.

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a 72yo Aussie fan.

[@dang2443]

Jesus Christ, you are EVERYWHERE on KZbin, making that exact same comment. It's just bizarre,

[@jmcv2326]

Yea John ya bawbaggg

[@ChrisDogan]

I'll be back in a few weeks... i just needed to get a sneak peek before Christmas officially starts. 😂

[@garyrobinson8665]

This song gives me chills.

[@purifiedwater2748]

My dog jazzy gets very anxious when it storms but when I play this she falls asleep in the blink In in eye 😇☺️

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

He sounds Jazzy

[@gregorygarcia7807]

A quote from Mrs, Mongomery: "You must sing your Lu-Lu's" 1969

[@sb_cali2317]

This song always makes me smile.

[@cookiesandmilk3207]

Vince lives forever. More than perfect.

[@theblvckcreative]

This is such great writing and calming music. Brings back memories as a child!

[@stillphil]

Charles Shultz and Vince : The sneaky way to introduce 70's kids to Jazz music

[@MrBorisey]

just excellent

[@jeanclaude4]

Listening in October. I suppose getting ready for a happy and sad time of year...

[@gardensofthegods]

Such great memories this album gives that Iidecided to listen to it today in September of 2024 for no particular reason other than it just makes me feel really wonderful and like EVERYTHING is just BEAUTIFULLY MAGICAL.

[@brianworkman9954]

Top Christmas album. It takes me back to the Christmas show.

[@jijidudz]

usually im not that desperate for christmas, but with the horribleness of this year, I started listening the day after thanksgiving, and every year, I will listen to this every day of December. so beautiful and changed my childhood ;)

[@DrLeePercussion]

Best version of this classic tune.

[@ml1968lf]

That's 1 beautiful arrangement...genius.

[@jamesfair4315]

Takes me back to my elementary school days and remembering this track which I loved always and I'm close to age 62. Christmas is Christmas without this soundtrack and seeing the cartoon almost every year except a few times in my military career.

[@edadan]

I have the sheet music for this but found that it is impossible (for me) to replicate Vince Guaraldi’s sound. He was one of a kind and I never get tired of listening to his music.

[@haventhebeast6050]

I read the tab for this the middle part is played wrong there's not as many chord's in the actual recording just the melody

[@garyfowkes8794]

Probably my go to first Xmas tune. Just beautiful & poignant

[@boangeres]

Great music! Always did love this one.

[@Jaydoggy531]

I have no idea why, but I remember this track scared me when I was a little kid. Zero explanation.

[@cartertacke9316]

The chords are very eerie, that may be it

[@jasonpaulelder]

That's interesting Jaydoggy531, and, just so you know that other people can relate, I'll tell you that when I was a child (at age 6, I'm estimating), for "some reason" I associated David Bowie's song, "Golden Years" with an advertisement for a film called, "The Prophecy." It had no apparent association whatsoever, but when I would hear the song begin - I would think of the ad - and it would give me the creeps. (ha) It's funny to me now, thankfully, and the song is actually one that I quite enjoy listening to; the film, however, I've still yet to see, without much of an interest. But, it's still an amusing memory to me that you just reminded me of - by your comment.

[@michaelperkins7011]

I agree, I think it the type of chords that give it a certain melancholy...it touched me the same way

[@nadyarossi5102]

The Little Drummer Boy always sounded ominous to me. Perhaps some of that has to do with the 2 British serial killers, who taped their evil deeds with this song as background music.

[@wademitchell4434]

Good piano music I study every day with this music on.

[@bentleyrv6]

This album is too peaceful. ❤

[@dannysandoval4499]

Hermoso mil gracias por compartirlo

[@ldahui]

This piece is Genius!!

[@Wasted00Films]

I have to agree. His arrangements are amazing.

[@TheMercuryProject]

After hearing this for 51 years, why am I just now realizing this is bossa nova?

[@michaelcornett444]

I hate, hate, HATE "The Little Drummer Boy," but totally adore this piece and could listen to it over and over. Weird, huh?

[@MGR1900]

And why do you hate the Little Drummer Boy?

[@michaelcornett444]

Hard to say, I just really dislike it as a song. And I joke about what a weird situation it is....oh, Mary just had a baby, and this guy wanders in with a drum, and wants to do a drum solo while the kid's trying to sleep....yeah, right. It just makes no sense.

[@MGR1900]

Michael Cornett I think you may be missing the point of the story though. The little drummer boy was pretty much a member of the lowest drudges of the society, largely seen as someone not worthy of standing in front of a king. He didn't have anything material to offer. So the kid gives the gift of music which was from his heart. Why would you hate that?

[@michaelcornett444]

I was joking. I get the point of the song, it's just that in a certain frame of mind it strikes me as comically incongruous. I made it clear it was a joke...you took it literally. Please be aware that story aside, from a musical standpoint I find "The Little Drummer Boy" to be an extremely poor song.

[@namreh72]

Michael Cornett _ not even dude...I'm starting now..and Christmas like a two months away.. lol

[@lumanid73]

This song reminds me of heading to the mall as the snow is falling for Xmas shopping. Hoping to running into friends and the occasional teacher at the mall or store! Pre 2000's America and Xmas was such national shared experience that crossed over ethnic and religious lines. Now, not so much. May it all take a turn for the better. Amen

[@NealFeinberg]

david cronin u made me cry too. so beautiful : )

[@Rhiaanon]

Incredible Christmas album and my favorite version of Little Drummer Boy!

[@ldahui]

The best!!

[@runawayushould]

The best piece from this masterpiece.

[@georgebauerschmidt5289]

As a kid when I first heard "The Little Drummer Boy" by the "Harry Simeone Chorale" (1941) it was that version that made me love the fictional story. Stories in music were like reading a book giving me the chance to envision the events in my head like a dream but the music also adds the ability to be the soundtrack to this internalized movie. However, this version of the song was quite different and made me sad as in my head I had a vision of a homeless man with his little dog walking the streets looking for warmth and comfort but being turned away. The song always seems sad, tired, and lonely but hoping for a change that never comes. Without words and only hearing the music, much like the lack of words being shared with the lonely homeless man, the focus remains on the children that can see the happiness and joy of Christmas. The sound of the children's choir is also a reminder of lost youth as they are scampering along with their activities while the man finds his way to sit at a lonely park bench, his dog at his side watching others bustling along with their holiday shopping., but no one speaking to him. Just alone in his memories, smiling up at those that don't know the harshness of old age. It's weird, but the song makes me sad with the futility of finding happiness while being alone just knowing that it's Christmas and watching the joy on the faces of others and wishing to be part of their merriment and joy. I feel like I need to create a video with this concept to purge it out of my system.

[@zjboogie012]

Hey. I hope that your year ends well, and that the next one is better than the last. Until next time.

[@zjboogie012]

Hey dude I'm here early, one hell of a year for sure.

[@kevinmcnamara2082]

This is what it’s all about right here❤️ Vince rules!!

[@kevinmcnamara2082]

Hey dude . The future is good ❤️

[@Randomcat70]

I remember having a music box that I slept to when I was little that my mom hat put in to play all the charlie brown christmas songs around christmas time

[@BigBoiG]

Been working on this song on piano for a long time now. I'm new to piano and I don't read music, but it's fun to play every time I practice. I've got 60% down pat. Cheers. Merry Christmas.

[@LillyB_RN]

I love this song ❤