Who was first supposed to record "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?" Como or Crosby? Autry did it.?

Question

I know Gene Autry sang it, but I think Bing Crosby turned it down first. Didn't want to sing a kids song. I have a bet with a friend who swears it was Perry Como.

Answer 1

I have heard many times that Bing turned it down because it was a children's song, so I think you win.

Answer 2

Rudolph came to life as a promotional gimmick for Montgomery Ward stores in 1939. Songwriter John Marks wrote the lyrics and melody in 1947. Gene Autry recorded Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 1949.

Answer 3

The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer

A man wrote it for his child (same as Clement C. Moore did when he wrote " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" for his children), and Montgomery Ward department store published the children's book.

The song was actually written by the brother-in-law of the man who originally wrote the story. Gene Autry seems to have had the earliest recording of it, though other ones might be out there. It's basically the best-known one out there and considered the first popularized verson; Autry's twangy voice lends a bit of folksy magic to the song.

Answer 4

Words and Music by Johnny Marks , 1949
Through the years has been recorded by many artists most notably by Gene Autry in 1949
Berl Ives also did it in 1969

Answer 5

Gene Autry I think .I remember my mom and dad playing the old 78's and I believe that was one of my first memories of old heavy 78 records and I believe I remember my parents saying that the recording was by Gene Autry.Hey those were the good ole days.

Answer 6

Gene Autry I Beileve It Was.