Christmas songs are arguably the most covered of any kind of song. With the Christmas music market growing by the year, it’s not uncommon for a given classic to have hundreds of different renditions available.
One such popular song is “Little Drummer Boy.” Written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, the song was first recorded by The Trapp Family Singers. (Yes, the ones that inspired The Sound of Music.) Over the years, it’s been covered so many times, you could fill several collections with just the different versions. For me, I actually find it one of my least favorite carols all other things being equal. Yet, there are some truly exceptional versions out there that make some of my favorite Christmas tunes of all. Here are seven versions I feel stand above the rest.
Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay loved this song so much, they recorded it twice. Their initial try was shortly after their self-titled debut released and shot them into the stratosphere of CCM. Their laid back and mysterious take on the song became a smash hit single and received frequent airplay on both Christian and mainstream radio. To this day, it’s still arguably among the better-known renditions of the song in Christian circles.
The band re-recorded the song on their 2007 Christmas album, Christmas Songs. While this version didn’t leave the legacy the original did, it did feature on a holiday episode of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Not too shabby.
Newsong
Newsong is probably more known for their sentimental "The Christmas Shoes" or "The Christmas Hope" come Christmas time. But their 2006 second Christmas album, The Christmas Hope featured their haunting version of the song. With an eerie piano hook and near whispered vocals, this version captures the mystique of a cold winter’s night that the song’s story would have taken place on. Bringing in child vocals for the “I’ll play for you” between verses adds to the atmosphere while the climactic finale makes for a memorable finish.
John Schlitt
John Schlitt’s version of this song doesn’t really boast any signature elements, but the rock elements of it all come together nicely and produce one of the better renditions of this song. Schlitt’s classic rock vocals are subdued in the beginning verses but give way to a strong arena rock climactic finish. Schlitt’s music video for the song adds a layer of mystique to the project as well.
Theocracy
"Little Drummer Boy" was the first in a long line of annual Theocracy Christmas releases. You’ve never heard the song done like this before. With a pounding bass/drumline, this version packs a serious unch. But it also features Matt Smith’s signature low vocals, creating the band’s signature mix of calm and storm.
White Heart
Here’s a classic inclusion. I grew up hearing this version every Christmas and didn’t even realize it was White Heart until adulthood, despite knowing the band fairly well. The hook is simply haunting and a slice of 80’s synth goodness. Rick Florian’s vocals carry a mysterious power that fills the song with a wonder that few vocalists can match. And the finish, complete with 80’s hair vocals and rocking guitar finish is just all-around one of the most memorable and epic moments to come out of Christian music of that era.
Marc Martel
To be fair, virtually anything sounds better when sung by Marc Martel. But his rendition of "Drummer Boy" works especially well. Be it the children’s choir, the militant drumbeat building, or that legendary voice driving the song home, this cover just flat out owns.
for KING & COUNTRY
Let’s be frank here: this song was made to be done by for KING & COUNTRY. So it should come as no surprise that not only did the brothers Smallbone decide to tackle this song for their Christmas EP, but it became one of their signature recordings. They play it live even at non-seasonal shows. They have done several recordings of it, including a live and a “rewrapped” version. They performed it at the CMA Country Christmas this year and the performance has gone viral. They are even working on a musical film based on the song to be released in 2020.
As for the song itself, the brothers more than do it justice. They love their drums and this song gives them a chance to really explode with it. They usually have an extended drum intro for live settings. And the song itself is just overflowing with the band’s signature bombast. Definitely one of the most iconic renditions of the song in recent memory.
Do you have a different favorite? Be sure to share with us your favorite version of this song.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community.
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