Holiday Song History: 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'

Other Random Facts

The story was written by Robert L. May originally for Montgomery Ward.
- The retailer had been buying coloring books to give out to children during the Christmas season, but they felt creating their own coloring books would be cheaper.
The story was originally rejected because a big red nose was associated with alcoholism in the 1930's.
The most popular version of the song was done by Gene Autry in 1949.
Autry's version of the song is the only song to completely fall off the charts after reaching number 1.
Autry's version sold 1.75 million copies it's first holiday season.
Burl Ives recorded his own version of the song for the holiday special in 1964.
All cover versions included, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is second only to Bing Crosby's version of White Christmas.
Rudolph's parents have changed through the years.
- 1964 special - Donner (father), Mrs. Donner (mother)
- 1998 film - Blitzen (father), Mitzi (mother)

Holiday Song History: ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’