Gene Autry - The Original Christmas Cowboy!

The very first Christmas record I can remember listening to was this one by Gene Autry.
Like most kids, I loved the song "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and this was the definitive version as far as I was concerned.  I had no idea who Gene Autry was, but my dad had been a fan of his movies when he was a kid and let me know all about him.

Already a radio star and movie icon, Gene Autry lassoed holiday fame in 1947 with "Here Comes Santa Claus," inspired by his stint as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. 

But Autry wasn't just the man who made Rudolph famous. During his 70-year career, he dominated every entertainment medium faster than you can say "yee-haw!" He recorded and wrote hundreds of songs; he was the most successful singing cowboy, appearing in 93 movies, often alongside his trusty horse Champion, and starring in 91 episodes of his own television series. Gene Autry was ranked among the most celebrated film stars, and for years was considered to be the world's most popular Western film actor.

In addition to his signature song "Back in the Saddle Again", as well as dozens of Western hits, Autry's Christmas song portfolio would make Mariah Carey blush! - "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frosty the Snowman," “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, "Up on the House Top” and many more! He was basically the DJ of December before DJs existed! And talk about overachieving - he's the only person with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! - (film, TV, music, radio, and live performance.)

In his later years, Autry owned media stations and the California Angels baseball team, proving that even cowboys can trade their saddles for board rooms. He was so beloved that they named a whole town after him in Oklahoma! – (though we can't confirm if everyone there is required to sing Christmas songs year-round.)

A true pioneer of country music and holiday cheer, Autry’s films made Western tunes mainstream before Nashville knew what hit it. Now that's what you call a Christmas gift to American culture!

I thank my dad for introducing me to these classics, and think about him just a little every time I hear one.

Learn more about this Christmas legend at the official Gene Autry website!

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Now, let's check in again with Hermie the Nitwit Elf and his pals up at the North Pole!

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Hermie: Hey Santa, my kids want a cat for Christmas!

Santa: Is that so?

Hermie: Yes. Normally I cook a turkey - but hey, whatever makes them happy!

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Hermie: Hey Frosty! Do you know why Dasher and Dancer love coffee?

Frosty: Why?

Hermie: They’re Santa’s Starbucks!

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Rudolph: I had no idea you were so afraid of elevators.

Hermie: Yeah, I’ve taken steps to avoid them.

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Santa: Where are those cookies I asked for?

Hermie: Well, the recipe told me to set the oven to 180`.

Santa: And…?

Hermie: Well, now I can’t open it. It’s facing the wall!

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Hermie: I no longer see my wife because of her gambling.

Frosty: What happened?

Hermie: She won the lottery and moved to Hawaii!

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Hermie: I just bought a top of the line hearing aid for $7,000!

Rudolph: Really, what kind is it?

Hermie: 12:30.