Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was originally created in 1939 by Robert L. May as a promotional character for the Montgomery Ward department store, designed to attract families to their stores during the holiday season.
The Genesis of Rudolph
The endearing tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer didn't begin as a traditional Christmas story but rather as an innovative marketing strategy. In 1939, the American retail giant Montgomery Ward was looking for a cost-effective way to draw customers, particularly children and their parents, into their stores during the bustling Christmas season.
Historically, Montgomery Ward had purchased and distributed coloring books as festive giveaways. To cut costs and enhance their promotional efforts, the company decided to produce their own original Christmas storybook. They entrusted this task to one of their copywriters, Robert L. May.
May, drawing inspiration from his own childhood feelings of being a timid and small child, conceived the character of Rudolph – a young reindeer ostracized for his unique, glowing red nose, who ultimately becomes a hero. This storyline resonated deeply with the company's goal of creating a character that would appeal to families and embody themes of acceptance and triumph over adversity.
Key Milestones in Rudolph's Journey
Rudolph's evolution from a simple promotional tool to a global Christmas icon involved several pivotal moments:
- 1939: Robert L. May creates Rudolph for a Montgomery Ward coloring book, distributed to millions of children.
- 1947: Montgomery Ward grants Robert L. May the copyright to Rudolph, allowing for broader commercial development.
- 1949: May's brother-in-law, songwriter Johnny Marks, adapts the story into the now-famous song, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
- 1949: Cowboy singer Gene Autry records the song, which becomes an overnight sensation and a best-selling holiday hit.
- 1964: The beloved stop-motion animated television special, produced by Rankin/Bass Productions, premieres, further cementing Rudolph's place in popular culture.
The Creative Mind Behind Rudolph
Robert L. May, a dedicated copywriter at Montgomery Ward, was the original visionary behind Rudolph. He developed the character and story during the challenging era of the Great Depression, crafting a narrative that emphasized overcoming personal challenges and finding one's place. May carefully considered various names like "Reginald" and "Rollo" before settling on "Rudolph," and the distinctive red nose became the central element of the character's unique identity.
Rudolph's Journey to Stardom
While the initial distribution of millions of Rudolph coloring books by Montgomery Ward was a significant success, Rudolph's widespread fame truly blossomed through subsequent adaptations. After Montgomery Ward magnanimously transferred the copyright to Robert L. May in 1947, May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, recognized the musical potential of the story. Marks composed the iconic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" song.
Despite initial rejections from various artists, the song found its voice with cowboy star Gene Autry, whose 1949 recording became one of the best-selling singles of all time and a permanent fixture in Christmas music.
The character's popularity soared even higher with the release of the timeless 1964 stop-motion animated television special. This cherished production introduced additional beloved characters like Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, and its annual broadcasts continue to enchant millions, making Rudolph a fundamental part of holiday traditions worldwide.
Key Contributors to Rudolph's Enduring Legacy
| Role | Individual/Entity | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Concept | Montgomery Ward | Commissioned the creation for a marketing campaign |
| Creator | Robert L. May | Developed the original character and story |
| Songwriter | Johnny Marks | Wrote the classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" song |
| Vocalist | Gene Autry | Recorded the bestselling musical rendition |
| TV Special | Rankin/Bass Productions | Produced the iconic stop-motion animated holiday special |
Rudolph's enduring appeal stems from his universally relatable narrative: an underdog who, despite an initial perceived flaw, transforms into a hero, guiding Santa's sleigh and embodying the enduring spirit of courage, kindness, and acceptance during the festive season.
