Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a beloved Christmas character, has been delighting children and adults alike for generations. His origin story, as told in the iconic song, is a timeless tale of perseverance, acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness. In this article, we will delve into the original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lyrics, exploring the song's history, its evolution, and the story behind the famous reindeer.
The Creation of Rudolph
The character of Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May, a copywriter for Montgomery Ward, a department store in Chicago. May was tasked with creating a Christmas promotion that the store could give away to customers during the holiday season. He wrote a poem, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which was initially given away as a free gift to Montgomery Ward customers.
The Original Poem
The original poem told the story of a young reindeer with a glowing red nose who saves Christmas by leading Santa's sleigh through a foggy night. The poem was an instant success, and Montgomery Ward distributed over 2.4 million copies during the 1939 holiday season.
The Song
In 1949, May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the poem into a song, which was recorded by Gene Autry. The song became a huge success, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and selling over 2 million copies in its first year alone.
The Original Lyrics
The original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lyrics, as written by Johnny Marks, are as follows:
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw him 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
Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say "Rudolph with your nose so bright Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Then all the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer You'll go down in history!"
The Evolution of Rudolph
Over the years, the character of Rudolph has undergone many transformations. In 1964, Rankin/Bass Productions produced a stop-motion animated television special, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," which became a holiday classic. The special introduced new characters, such as Hermey the Elf and the Abominable Snowman, and expanded on the story of Rudolph.
Rudolph in Popular Culture
Rudolph has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements. He has been referenced in music, literature, and even psychology. The character's iconic red nose has become a symbol of uniqueness and perseverance.
The Impact of Rudolph
Rudolph's impact extends far beyond the holiday season. His story has inspired countless children and adults to accept and celebrate their differences. The character has become a cultural icon, representing the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness.
Rudolph's Legacy
Rudolph's legacy continues to inspire new generations. The character has been inducted into the Cartoon Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The original song has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
As we conclude our journey through the original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lyrics, we invite you to share your favorite holiday memories and traditions with us. What does Rudolph mean to you? How has his story inspired you? Let us know in the comments below!
Who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
+Rudolph was created by Robert L. May in 1939.
What was the original purpose of the Rudolph poem?
+The original poem was created as a Christmas promotion for Montgomery Ward.
Who adapted the poem into a song?
+The poem was adapted into a song by Johnny Marks in 1949.