I loved the song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a kid (who didn’t?) and I loved watching the Rankin/Bass TV special. In fact, it’s still a Christmas tradition for me. I know all the lyrics and sing along. When they were young it drove my kids crazy, hey half of the fun, but now if I’m not singing they ask if I’m okay. ? Rudolph’s message of belonging, compassion, understanding, and everyone having something to contribute always hit home with me. I was a smart, liberal, knew-my-mind girl growing up in Dubuque, Iowa. I didn’t always fit in. I never went to homecoming or prom. In fact, I wasn’t even asked on a date in high school. I look back now and think I intimidated guys. Anyway, guess you can see why I identified with our little red nosed guy.
I was stunned to discover this classic Christmas tale that led to the Gene Autry song, was written by a Jewish man, Robert L. May. As a child, May skipped a couple grades in school, making him smaller and younger than his classmates. As a teacher, I can’t imagine how rough that was for him. Being physically smaller is difficult enough but add in developmental differences with his classmates, and no wonder he didn’t fit in and viewed himself as a “nerdy loser.” Anyone else see foreshadowing here and a writer who would write what he knew? (Being an outsider and insecure?) Yup, me too.
As an adult May dreamed of writing the great American novel but worked as a catalog copywriter in the advertising department for Montgomery Ward. (As an author, that sure hits home as I dreamed of writing novels while working countless other jobs to pay the bills.) In 1939, Montgomery Ward wanted to create a children’s book for its annual holiday promotion rather than give away purchased coloring book. May was given the job because of his talent for limericks and parodies. The only direction his boss gave him was to have an animal in it.
May chose a reindeer for his main character because his daughter, Barbara loved the ones at Lincoln Park Zoo. When turned in the story of a red-nosed reindeer teased by his peers, who had exactly what Santa needed one foggy Christmas Eve, May’s boss asked him to come up with “something better.” (Okay, let’s admit May’s boss couldn’t tell an incredible children’s story from a hole in the ground.) May didn’t give up, and with the help someone in the art department and his sketches, they changed the boss’s mind. Click here to read May’s original manuscript. (It’s definitely worth checking out. 🙂 )
On its release in 1939, Montgomery Ward gave away 2.4 million copies of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Yup, million. In 1939. Think about that. Despite the book’s success, May who was heavily in debt because of his wife’s medical bills, received no additional compensation. However, that changed in 1947, when the head of Montgomery Ward returned the rights to May. Another event that year that changed May’s life and impacted the classic Christmas song coming to life was May’s sister married Johnny Marks, a songwriter. Long before Marks married May’s sister he’d read Rudolph’s story, and jotted down notes in his song ideas notebook.
Marks added music to the story, and knew he had something special. However, Gene Autry apparently channeling May’s boss who “wanted something better” than Rudolph’s story, wasn’t keen on the song. Thankfully, his wife persuaded him to record the second biggest selling Christmas song of all time (White Christmas is number one) for the “B” side. (From my research, it appears If It Doesn’t Snow on Christmas was the “A” side and who’s even heard of that Christmas song? I hope he thanked his wife for her foresight.) Click here to listen to the Gene Autry song
Some articles I read claimed May and the Rudolph story is sad. I disagree. Yes, May had a difficult life, but he channeled that into something truly special. No, he never wrote the great American novel, but he wrote a great American Christmas carol that still inspires children and adults today. A pretty great legacy, I’d say. Plus, as an added bonus, Rudolph took care of May and his family for his life and beyond.
Now that I’ve learned the history behind the song, I love Rudolph’s story even more and it’s message seems even brighter.
Julie Benson has written five novels for Harlequin American, and her Wishing, Texas series is available from Tule Publishing. Now that her three sons have left the nest in Dallas, when she isn't writing, Julie spends her time working on home improvement projects, rescuing dogs, and visiting Texas wineries with her husband. Visit her at www.juliebenson.net.
Even knowing the story behind the song it is great to see it retold.
What a wonderful post! I am enjoying learning about the songs.
I didn’t know the history of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. That is very interesting. Thank you for sharing.
this is so cool. thanks for sharing all this great information
I was aware of the history. Many of the Christmas songs were written by Jewish composers. 11 well known Christmas songs.
that is the first time I can recall listening or reading this story. I know the song, of course, as I loved anything Gene Autry sang. Many thanks and have a blessed holiday.
I actually knew most of the story behind Rudolph and Maywith Montgomery Ward–it was a popular trivia question years ago–and that Gene’s wife had to convince him to record the song.
We have a copy of the book here, and I have a stuffed Rudolph the kids got as a giveaway from Montgomery Ward.
I had a Gene Autry Christmas album as a kid. It was a kid-friendly album.
I love this! I didn’t know about it. I do have the Gene Autry Christmas album, though, that I got many years ago as a child. I’m now like you, knowing the story behind the song is even better!!!
Thanks for sharing the history behind this with us!
Thanks for the story. I loved the song and story. No other singers would take the chance to sing the song until Gene Autry. Love seeing the film every Christmas.
Loved the story about Rudolph! We always watched the show and listened to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer sung by Gene Autry.
Julie, this is one of my favorites! So glad you chose to post about it!
Thank you for sharing, Julie. This was so interesting. It has been a favorite story and song since I first heard it not long after Gene Autry recorded it. I have always related to Rudolph and it seems I had a bit in common with May. It is a good example of how hurtful bullying can be and that in time, those who are picked on will come into their own. I am glad May finally came into his own thanks to Rudolph.
I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas and that 2023 is wonderful.