Composer. Beginning at age 13, in 1935, he wrote over 900 songs but is best remembered for the holiday classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," for which he wrote the music. His brother-in-law, Robert L. May, had previously written a poem that became the lyrics to the song made popular in 1949 by Gene Autry, and it sold 30 million copies over the years. He is known primarily for his Christmas classics, which also included "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "A Holly, Jolly Christmas," "When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter," and "Silver and Gold." Was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Composer. Beginning at age 13, in 1935, he wrote over 900 songs but is best remembered for the holiday classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," for which he wrote the music. His brother-in-law, Robert L. May, had previously written a poem that became the lyrics to the song made popular in 1949 by Gene Autry, and it sold 30 million copies over the years. He is known primarily for his Christmas classics, which also included "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "A Holly, Jolly Christmas," "When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter," and "Silver and Gold." Was a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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