Yep, Bing was the magic in that duet. I don’t particularly dislike Bowie, but there are earlier (traditional, solo arrangement) recordings of the song by Bing which are just as nice. Perhaps it was just that smooth baritone that made the song work.
I like Bing doing ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’.
A couple of years ago, I woke in the middle of the night after leaving the radio on. I woke at the point where he sang “Let us bring Him silver and gold” - it was thrilling, and it was the first time I really understood that line.
Since then it’s been one of my favorites.
-JT