Gene Autry
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics
(Columbia/Legacy)
First Appeared at The Music Box, January 2004, Volume 11, #1
Written by John Metzger
In 1947, Gene Autry wrote and recorded Here Comes Santa Claus, a song
that not only became a huge hit for the "singing cowboy," but also has turned
into a veritable Christmas classic. Over the years, it has been covered numerous
times by a wide range of artists that include Willie Nelson, Bing Crosby, NRBQ,
and The Platters, but none has been able to match the sheer perfection of
Autry’s original rendition. Yet, this wasn’t the only holiday song Autry ever
performed, and the expanded edition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and
Other Christmas Classics compiles 18 gems released by Autry between 1947 and
1956. Though his other offerings aren’t quite on par with his initial foray into
holiday fare, each is immeasurably enjoyable in its own right. From obscurities
such as The Night Before Christmas (in Texas, That Is) and He’s a
Chubby Little Fellow to better known songs like Frosty the Snow Man
and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, Autry delivers a set that will please
children of all ages with his easy-going, old-time charm. 
½
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics is
available from Barnes & Noble. To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2003 The Music Box