Walter Sommer Christmas Little Drummer Boy

The song “Little Drummer Boy” has a fascinating history. It was originally written in 1941 by American composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis. Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” it was inspired by a traditional Czech carol but was largely an original composition. Davis intended it to be a simple Christmas song suitable for a children’s choir.

The song gained widespread popularity in the late 1950s when it was recorded by the Trapp Family Singers (of The Sound of Music fame). However, its true breakthrough came in 1958, when the Harry Simeone Chorale recorded and released it under the name “Little Drummer Boy.” This version became a massive hit and has since been considered a Christmas classic. Simeone’s arrangement added a choral grandeur and rhythmic “pa-rum-pum-pum-pum” refrains that have become iconic.

“Little Drummer Boy” remains a staple of Christmas music, symbolizing humility, the spirit of giving, and the idea that even the smallest, most heartfelt gifts can be meaningful.