Who's behind the notes? Discover Gene Autry: The Singing Cowboy
Gene Autry, known as "The Singing Cowboy," was an American singer, actor, and businessman. Here are some interesting facts about Gene Autry and his connection to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer":
Recording Rudolph: Gene Autry recorded the song "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1949. The song was written by Johnny Marks and became one of Autry's biggest hits.
Success of the Song: Autry's recording of "Rudolph" sold millions of copies and became one of the best-selling Christmas songs of all time. It reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts during the Christmas season of 1949.
Rudolph's Popularity: The success of the song led to the creation of a popular animated TV special titled "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in 1964, featuring the character Rudolph and other beloved Christmas figures.
Multifaceted Talent: Gene Autry was not only a successful singer but also a talented actor. He appeared in numerous Western films and was the only performer to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in different categories: radio, records, film, television, and live performance.
Ownership of California Angels: In addition to his music and acting career, Autry was a successful businessman. He owned the California Angels, a Major League Baseball team (now known as the Los Angeles Angels).
Gene Autry's contributions to entertainment and his role in popularizing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" have left a lasting impact on Christmas music and culture.