Author: Rudolph was actually the main character of a story written in 1939 by Robert L. May. In 1949, a song based on the story was composed by Johnny Marks, Mays' brother-in-law. The song, which we now know as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," was recorded by Gene Autry; a movie narrated by Burl Ives in 1964 followed. The song became a phenomenal hit; selling millions of copies, inspiring recordings in various languages and producing a variety of products based on the loveable reindeer.
Interesting Fact: Marks is also the author of other Christmas carols including "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" and "Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Rudolph is one of Santa's reindeers which includes Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
Lyrics (Excerpt):
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall?
The most famous reindeer of all?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose,
And if you ever saw it,
You would even say it glows.
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names;
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games.
Music Sheet:
