The Real Story Behind “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
On December 6th, 1964, a little Christmas special known as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer aired on TV for the first time. Rudolph’s story had begun years earlier with a humble copywriter named Robert May. After the tragic death of his wife, May threw himself into his writing, drawing on his childhood experiences with bullying. Montgomery Ward, the department store where he worked, turned May’s charming story into a free promotional gift for customers. By the end of the Christmas season, they’d given away over 2 million copies. They held the rights of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” until after World War II, when they surrendered them to May.
Years later, May had an idea. His brother-in-law was Johnny Marks, the famous composer behind the holiday mega hits “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.” He approached Marks and asked to write a song about Rudolph. Marks did, though he wasn’t entirely proud of the finished product. Regardless, actor and country music star Gene Autry recorded the song…after a little wifely persuasion. It went on to hit number on the charts during the 1949 Christmas season.
Who would’ve guessed that a mere 15 years later, it would yet again become a smash hit in the form of the 1964 holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? The special has been broadcast annually since 1964, earning it the distinction of the longest-running Christmas special in history. Many viewers may relate to Rudolph. While we may not have shiny red noses, we may have other quirks that make it hard to fit in. However, being different isn’t a curse. We all have a place in this world and a special purpose, just like Rudolph!
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Originally published December 05, 2023
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