The Inspiration Behind Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
How one writer went from catalog copy to penning a Christmas classic
Where does your curiosity take you?
Mine took me to the Victoria & Albert Museum this week in London — with a single mission on my mind: to view the first Christmas card.
I called the museum, had conversations with librarians at the Art Library, and finally — when it seemed all hope was lost — wrote an email with enough clarity and desperation (and a bit of humor) that a Christmas miracle happened!
Check it out — this is the first Christmas card, designed by John Calcott Horsley for (Sir) Henry Cole in London in 1843.
I like stories that have happy endings.
When I research stories for this newsletter, I don’t always find stories with happy endings (see my stories on the Ferris Wheel, Monopoly, Clue).
Which is why today I want to share another story with you that DOES have a happy ending!
It’s the story about a red-nosed reindeer named Rudolph…
But where did the idea of Rudolph come from?
And who came up with the idea to create a character whose difference made him so special?
I was curious…
The story of Rudolph dates back to 1939, when US retailer Montgomery Ward had a problem.
They wanted to run a Christmas promotion for children. Previously, stores had given away various coloring books, but they needed a consistent (and cheaper) campaign for their 620 stores.
They decided they would create a book for children – with an original story.
Retail sales manager H.E. MacDonald asked copywriter Bob May if he could write a story.
But May wasn't in a good place.
His wife was dying of cancer and he was in debt.
He was 33 years old, and had hoped to write the great American novel.
Instead, he was writing about men’s shirts for a retail and catalog company.
But he agreed.
Inspired by his own childhood of being small and teased, he came up with a story about a reindeer who was different.
He gave his underdog reindeer a red nose and named him Rudolph.
Rudolph’s red nose would make him the subject of ridicule and rejection, but in the end, his difference would be an asset, and help Santa on Christmas Eve.
May pitched the idea to his boss.
“Can't you come up with anything better?” the boss asked May.
But May believed in the story, and got his buddy in the art department to draw up some sketches.
Together, they convinced the boss – and the 32-page illustrated story of Rudolph was a hit.
Montgomery Ward distributed 2.4 million copies of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer to children across the country.
Plans to print another 1.6 million copies the following year were shelved by paper shortages due to World War II, but in 1946, Rudolph returned – and was more popular than ever.
That year 3.6 million copies of May's story were distributed.
In 1947, Montgomery Ward signed the copyright for Rudolph over to May. Perhaps they were full of Christmas cheer – or perhaps they didn’t realize the moneymaking potential of the underdog tale!
Now armed with the copyright, May asked his songwriter brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, to turn Rudolph's tale into a song.
After initially rejecting the song, ‘The Singing Cowboy’ Gene Autry agreed to record it in 1949.
Autry's song – like Rudolph's story – was a hit.
The song went to #1, and sold 2 million copies that year.
And in 1964, May's story of acceptance and perseverance was adapted into an animated television special.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the longest-running Christmas special in television history, and one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time, selling 150 million copies worldwide.
As the song said, Rudolph did go down in history.
And so did Bob May.
Thanks so much for being curious with me this year!
Curious Minds will be taking a short break, but will be back in your inbox with more curious tales in January.
Merry Christmas — and Happy New Year!
Who’s On The Naughty List?
For the third year in a row, Santa and I have pulled together the best and worst communication moments of the year.
Here are the communicators who made it to Santa’s Naughty List and should expect coal in their stockings…
And here are my 10 people whose communication skills earned them a spot on Santa’s Nice List…
Recent Writing
Watch Your Mouth — Are we feeling more rage right now, or more comfortable expressing it?
Don’t Be a Dick — There are plenty of things to be angry about. But why would anyone choose violence over someone’s email provider?!
That’s One Way to Get Attention — A singer reminds us why words (and self-awareness) matter.
How Can I Help?
I’ll keep saying it: Communication matters.
Poor communication costs you — money, relationships and your reputation.
And if you want to improve your communication (and get all the good things that come with that), I’m your gal.
So many companies could reap significant benefits – from performance and culture to retention and engagement – by improving their communication.
So, if you know someone who could benefit from some help (as even the most seasoned leaders do), please get in touch and check out my website for more information.
You can also see my Top 10 list of what I can (and can’t) do for you here.
And if you see any communication examples (the good, the bad, and the ugly) that you think are worth analyzing or sharing, please send them my way!
Until next time, Stay Curious!
-Beth
This is the perfect Christmas morning read, Beth!
This was a pleasure! Now, when I root for Rudolph, I'll also be rooting for Bob May. And will cheer for both when Rudolph goes down in history. Thank you, Beth, and Happy Holidays!