The Temptations, The Little Drummer Boy | Throwback Vibez

In the 198^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “The Little Drummer Boy” by The Temptations.  

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 198^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “The Little Drummer Boy” performed by The Temptations.  

“Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum.” 

Fittingly, “Little Drummer Boy” features epic drumming from the get-go. How could it not? Adding to the musical accompaniment excellence is a sickening bass line, gorgeous strings, warm acoustic and electric piano, and soulful rhythmic guitar.  Furthermore, the use of timpani adds another bit of marvelousness to the sound palette. With an awesome backdrop, those Temptations cook! There are brilliant vocal harmonies initially. The vocal chemistry is all that and a bag of chips! I love the key modulations, which amp up the energy and kick things up a notch, Emeril Legasse! “The Little Drummer Boy” is particularly excellent when Leonard takes the lead with his ripe tenor. Melvin Franklin shines on those bass vocals, particularly the beatbox-like, syncopated lines. All told, The Temptations deliver one of the most engaging renditions of  “The Little Drummer Boy” ever. It puts you in the Christmas spirit, and it’s funky as albeit.  Well-performed, well-produced, and all around well executed, The Temptations put their feet into this one!