when was rudolph the red-nosed reindeer released

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was first released in 1948 as a song by Johnny Marks, based on a poem he wrote in 1939. The song became a hit, and in 1949 it was adapted into a television special by Rankin/Bass, which has since become a Christmas classic. The special has been adapted into numerous other forms over the years, including a feature film, a Broadway musical, and even a holiday parade float. Today, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the most recognizable and beloved holiday characters in the world.