Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: From Montgomery Ward to Music History

No Christmas season is complete without the cheerful tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. From a simple storybook to a chart-topping song and an iconic holiday character, Rudolph’s journey is one of creativity, marketing brilliance, and enduring charm.

The Birth of Rudolph

In 1939, the Chicago-based department store Montgomery Ward wanted to create a special Christmas giveaway for its customers. Instead of purchasing coloring books, the company decided to commission an original story to distribute to families. Robert L. May, a copywriter for the store, was tasked with creating something memorable.

Drawing inspiration from his own childhood experiences of feeling like an outsider, May crafted the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with an unusual glowing red nose who saves Christmas by guiding Santa’s sleigh through a foggy night.

The simple yet heartwarming tale resonated with families during the Great Depression. That year, Montgomery Ward distributed 2.4 million copies of May’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the little reindeer began his ascent to holiday stardom.

From Storybook to Song

Rudolph’s leap from the page to music came nearly a decade later. May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, a songwriter, saw the story’s potential and set it to music. Marks, who would later write other Christmas classics like Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and A Holly Jolly Christmas, crafted a catchy melody that brought Rudolph to life in a new way.

In 1949, country music star Gene Autry recorded Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Autry initially wasn’t interested in the song, but his wife encouraged him to give it a try. That decision proved to be monumental—Autry’s recording sold 2.5 million copies in its first year alone, quickly becoming a holiday sensation.

A Timeless Holiday Favorite

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer wasn’t just a hit song—it became a cultural phenomenon. It inspired adaptations ranging from books and animated specials to movies and toys. The most notable adaptation, the 1964 stop-motion television special by Rankin/Bass, cemented Rudolph as a beloved Christmas character for generations.

Marks’ song, with its playful lyrics and uplifting message, captured the spirit of the holidays: acceptance, kindness, and the triumph of an underdog. Rudolph’s story teaches children and adults alike that our differences are what make us special—and sometimes, those differences can save the day.

Fun Fact

Gene Autry’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer became the second-best-selling Christmas single of all time, trailing only Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.

Rudolph’s Legacy

Over 80 years since his creation, Rudolph continues to light the way as one of Christmas’s most enduring symbols. The song, with its cheerful melody and singalong appeal, remains a staple during the holiday season. From department store giveaways to living rooms around the world, Rudolph’s red nose has become a beacon of hope and joy.

As you sing along to Gene Autry’s familiar tune this Christmas, remember the humble origins of Rudolph—a little reindeer with a big, glowing purpose—and the timeless message that it’s okay to stand out.