Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Year: 1939

Written By: Johnny Marks

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From the Christmas carol to the much-loved Television show, everyone loves Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer. It has long been a popular favorite with adults and children alike. It is a story of courage and being different. It teaches our young ones a valuable lesson in that it encourages them to overcome their differences and to be proud of whom they are. Not only does the song entertain but it has a great moral lesson as well.

Robert Mays who was a 34-year-old copywriter first wrote Rudolph during the great depression in the year 1939. He wrote Rudolph not as a song but as a rhyming short story for Montgomery Ward. They needed it to put in the Santa sack to pass out to the children who sat on Santa's lap. It wasn't until 1947 that the short story became a book. Shortly after Mays collaborated with his brother-in-law Johnny Marks to make the book into a song. Even with the success of the book, it was difficult to be anyone to sing the song. But finally, in 1949 Gene Autry, who until that time had only played in Westerns, agreed to give singing the Christmas song a shot. It was a huge and instant success. To this day it is one of the most popular and loved Christmas songs around.

Many different people from all walks of life have crooned the famous Christmas song and carolers sing it on the streets every Christmas. Some of the most notable stars to give their rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer have been Perry Como, Burl Ives, and Dean Martin.

In recent years, Barry Manilow and Allan Jackson have joined the steady stream of singers. Rudolph being a popular favorite for country singers to sing on their solo Christmas specials.

Recently even the TV stars have gotten into the act. The Wiggles, a famous television band for children recorded it for one of their Christmas specials. In addition, who could forget the version done by none other than the Chipmunks? The furry little stars brought new meaning to Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer.
Whatever your reason for loving Rudolph the Christmas song. Whichever star is your favorite to sing it. The consensus seems to be that Rudolph is here to stay. In addition, you can be assured that come Christmas time, the movie and the song will be prominent in everyone's homes and their hearts.