Cosy Christmas TV specials were the preserve of Val Doonican, Morecambe & Wise and Stanley Baxter. Of course Bing Crosby was one of the Daddies of them all. His laid back style and association with the song/movie White Christmas meant he embodied the festive season for many households. 1977 saw his show, Merrie Old Christmas, welcome an array of performers to his studio-built setting, including Baxter. There was also a surprising choice of guest when none other than David Bowie arrived at the quaint English surroundings Bing called home for the holidays. Now it's important to mention this is not what the Starman looked like when he arrived to film his segment. Producers had to hastily remove his glam threads and replace them with the relatively restrained suit shown above. As with many unusual but pretigious combinations the result turned out to be strangely magical. Bowie and Crosby's duet of Little Drummer Boy even got new lyrics, making it a huge hit. This was Bing's last Christmas special and he certainly went out with a glitter-festooned bang, in no small part due to Bowie's influence.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
