The song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written by Johnny Marks, who was inspired by a children's story written by his brother-in-law, Robert May. Marks wrote the song to be performed by Gene Autry, and it was first recorded in 1949. The song became a holiday classic, and it has been covered by many artists throughout the years, including Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and The Jackson 5. The song tells the story of a reindeer with a bright, shiny red nose who is mocked and bullied by his fellow reindeer until he is chosen to guide Santa's sleigh on