when did frosty the snowman song come out

The song "Frosty the Snowman" was first recorded and released by Gene Autry in 1950. However, the song has its roots in a storybook written by children's author and cartoonist Steve Nelson and illustrator Jack Rollins in 1949. The book was later adapted into a song and animated short film by Rankin/Bass Productions in 1969. The song has since become a beloved Christmas classic, and the Rankin/Bass animated version of Frosty the Snowman has become a staple of holiday television programming.