“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a beloved Christmas song written by Johnny Marks in 1949. The song was inspired by a storybook of the same name, written by Robert L. May in 1939. It tells the tale of Rudolph, a reindeer with a red, glowing nose, who becomes a hero when his unique feature helps Santa Claus guide his sleigh through a foggy Christmas Eve.
The original version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was composed by Johnny Marks and first recorded by Gene Autry in 1949. The arrangement is relatively straightforward, making it accessible to pianists of varying skill levels. The piece primarily involves playing the melody with basic chords, making it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate players.