Deacon Greg Kandra on 'The Little Drummer Boy'

"As we . . . prepare to hear again the Gospel account of the gifts of the magi, I was reminded of a modern Christmas carol about someone who visited the newborn Christ child, but had no gift to bring.

"We know it as 'The Little Drummer Boy,' but it began as 'The Carol of the Drum' - and the first known recording was actually done by the Trapp Family Singers. You can hear it below. It moves at a brisk clip and may surprise those of us who grew up hearing the legendary, more majestic version by the Harry Simeone Singers."

In a recent commentary, Deacon Greg Kandra reflected on the origin of the "Carol of the Drum" and its spread into its use and enjoyment in our current times.

To access Deacon Greg's complete post, please visit:

The Deacon's Bench: Pa rum pum pum pum: The story behind 'The Little Drummer Boy' (2 JAN 19)