Hometown Moments & Memories
19
Rudolph Realities
YOU KNOW DANCER AND PRANCER, BUT HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT THE MOST-LOVED REINDEER OF ALL?
Rudolph was the creation of a man named Robert L. May. He was a copywriter for Montgomery Ward and was asked to make up a fun tale as a tactic to generate sales during the holiday shopping season. Rudolph was not May’s first choice for a name. He toyed with the idea of naming him “Rollo” or “Reginald” before deciding on Rudolph. Gene Autry recorded the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 1949.The song sold two million copies that year. Gene Autry would forever be known for his most popular hit of all time. Burl Ives narrated Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 1967. He was the voice of Sam the Snowman.The animators also created Sam to look just like Ives! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was actually filmed in Japan.
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