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

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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