Smile of the Day Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Wednesday November 25, 2020 Smile of The Day: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

On this Day:

“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared on music charts.

It was written by songwriter Johnny Marks based on the 1939 story Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer published by the Montgomery Ward Company. Gene Autry’s recording hit No. 1 on the U.S. charts the week of Christmas 1949. The song was suggested as a “B” side for a record Autry was making. Autry rejected the song. His wife convinced him to use it.  Autry’s version of the song also holds the distinction of being the only chart-topping hit to fall completely off the chart after reaching No. 1. The official date of its No. 1 status was for the week ending January 7, 1950, making it the first No. 1 song of the 1950s. (per Wikipedia)

First, a Story:

Did you hear about the race between Rudolph and the other reindeer? Rudolph won by a nose.

Second, a Song:

There are many renditions of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in existence.  The challenge is, of course, to do something different.  This is a video by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy who are a contemporary swing revival band from California. The band was named Big Bad Voodoo Daddy after Scotty Morris (one of the band leaders) met blues guitar legend Albert Collins at one of the latter’s concerts. “He signed my poster ‘To Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy’,” Morris explains. “I thought it was the coolest name I ever heard on one of the coolest musical nights I ever had. So when it came time to name this band, I didn’t really have a choice. I felt like it was handed down to me. (per Wikipedia)

Here is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. I hope you enjoy this version!

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiTzlyCAxmQ)

Thought for the Day:

“A toy is never truly happy until it is loved by a child.” – Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Have a great day!

© 2020 David J. Bilinsky and Colleen E. Bilinsky