Who's behind the notes? Discover Gene Autry: The Singing Cowboy
Gene Autry, often referred to as "The Singing Cowboy," was a multi-talented entertainer and a prominent figure in American popular culture. Here are some interesting facts about Gene Autry and his connection to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer":
Original Recording: Gene Autry recorded the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1949. The song was written by Johnny Marks, who adapted it from a poem written by Marks' brother-in-law, Robert L. May.
Christmas Classic: Autry's recording of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" became an instant hit and is considered one of the most popular and enduring Christmas songs of all time. The song tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a shiny red nose who becomes a hero on a foggy Christmas Eve.
Record Sales: Autry's version of the song sold more than 2 million copies in its first year of release. It quickly became a Christmas classic and has since been covered by numerous artists.
Other Christmas Hits: Gene Autry is also known for other Christmas hits, including "Frosty the Snowman" and "Here Comes Santa Claus." His contributions to the Christmas music genre have left a lasting impact.
Entertainment Career: While Autry is best known for his Christmas songs, he had a successful career as a singing cowboy in Western films and on the radio. He appeared in nearly 100 films and became a popular radio personality.
Multifaceted Career: In addition to his success in music and film, Gene Autry was a savvy businessman. He invested in real estate, radio stations, and the California Angels baseball team. His business acumen contributed to his status as one of the wealthiest and most influential entertainers of his time.
Hall of Fame Inductions: Autry was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1969 and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. His impact on the entertainment industry and his contributions to country and Christmas music have been widely recognized.
Gene Autry's rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" remains a cherished part of the holiday season, and his legacy as a versatile entertainer continues to influence popular culture.