Do You Recall, the Most Famous Reindeer of All?

He really is the most famous reindeer of all. How hard is it to remember Dasher, Donner, Vixen, Comet, Cupid and, okay, I admit, I can’t name the others off the top of my head. 

They are, after looking them up, Prancer, Dancer and Blitzen. Sorry guys.

Of course we’re talking about Rudolph.

Rudy has his origins in advertising. The red-nosed reindeer was introduced in 1939 as part of a Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago promotion.

To save money, the store commissioned an original story as a present to customers. The prior practice had been to purchase published books to pass out.

Robert L. May, the youngest of nine, offered a tale that may have been born In the author’s youth. Often picked on as the runt of the litter, Rudolph’s early misfortunes mirrored some of May’s troubles.

The glowing nose was inspired by a fog settling over Lake Michigan as viewed by May from his office window.

A decade later May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks turned the tale to tune and Gene Autry recorded it. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer became a number one hit on the Billboard pop singles selling 2.5-million copies the first year.

Over time, the song has sold 25-million copies and continues to climb.

Here Flash dons the beacon nose and antlers to spread good cheer for the season.