when was rudolph the red-nosed reindeer released

The famous Christmas song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was first released in 1949 by Gene Autry, and has been a holiday favorite ever since. It tells the story of a reindeer named Rudolph, who was born with a shiny red nose that made him an outcast among his peers. However, when a storm threatens to cancel Christmas, Rudolph's unique abilities come in handy and he becomes a hero. The song has been covered by countless artists and has become a classic part of the holiday season.