Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, sometimes referred to as Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in error, is a character in a popular song and story. The character has become so well known that his name is synonymous with Christmas and the legend of Santa Claus.
Who wrote Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? The original story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was written by Robert Lewis May (27 July 1905 – 10 August 1976). Robert L. May was employed by Montgomery Ward (later known as Wards) an American Department Store chain.
The Story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer The story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is loved by children and adults alike. The story has an 'Ugly Duckling' feel to it with which so many people identify. Rudolf was different to the other reindeers - he had a bright red, glowing nose. He was shunned by the other reindeers named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen until one Christmas Eve when the weather became really foggy. It was so foggy that Santa knew would not be able to find his way to the homes of children. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer comes to the rescue. His nose acts as a strong light and he becomes the hero of Christmas and all the Christmas gifts are safely delivered!
When was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer written? The original story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was written in 1939 as part of a Christmas promotional campaign for the store. Robert L. May created the character and a colleague named Denver Gillen illustrated poem of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and copies of the story were sold to millions of people in booklet form. However, as Robert L. May had created Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as an employee, he did not own the copyright. In 1947 the company's president, Sewell Avery, gave the copyright to him. In 1951 Bob May left Wards to manage Rudolph’s career. His creation of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was quite prophetic, as Rudolf has gone down in history!
The Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Cartoon Max Fleischer produced and directed an animated cartoon version of the Rudolph story for The Jam Handy Organization in 1948. The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer cartoon was subsequently televised throughout the 1950's and 1960's.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Song The Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer song was written by the brother-in-law of Robert L. May whose name was Johnny Marks (1909-1985). Johnny Marks was a songwriter by profession and was so inspired by Bob's Rudolf that he wrote the music and lyrics for the song in 1949. He recorded a demo of the song and sent it off to various artists including Bing Crosby and Perry Como. As a pure after-thought he also sent a copy to Gene Autry, the singing cowboy, who had recorded the Christmas song "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" in 1947. The song was turned down by everyone except Gene Autry, whose wife loved the song! Gene Autry also disliked the song but recorded it as the 'B' side of "If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas". The Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer song became a smash hit and sold more than 2 million records in the first year. It continues to be one of the most successful Christmas songs ever written. After this great Christmas success Johnny Marks went on to write the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" which was recorded by Bing Crosby) and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" which was a hit for Brenda Lee.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - the Movie Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer was produced as a TV Movie in 1964 with Burl Ives as the Narrator: Sam the Snowman. Then Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - the Movie was released in 1998. It featured the voices of Kathleen Barr as Rudolph (Older), John Goodman as Santa Claus, Whoopi Goldberg as Stormella, Debbie Reynolds as Mrs. Claus and Bob Newhart as Leonard the Polar Bear.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Who wrote Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?
The Story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
When was Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer written?
Nose - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer -
The Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Cartoon
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Song
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - the Movie
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
"Merry Christmas, have a happy and prosperous New Year!"
