It's hard to believe that the wonderful story of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is now 50 years old. The Rudolph TV special first aired on December 6th, in 1964 and was based on the song written by Johnny Marks. Another very interesting fact is that the "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" song itself was based on a poem of the same name written by Johnny Mark's brother-in-law Robert May even further back in 1939. It is amazing how one art-form (poetry in this case) can be reinterpreted later, first as a song and then a TV special that has given so much happiness and joy for two generations and counting.
Earlier this month, CBC Radio in Canada aired a news spot that reflected on the legacy of Rudolph and talked to some of the actors who did the voices for the characters. The legendary American actor Burl Ives narrated the story playing the part of Sam the snowman, but many of the other voice actors were from the Toronto, Canada area which was a hot-bed of voice talent in the mid-60s. These included Stan Francis (Santa Claus & King Moon Racer), Billy Mae Richards (Rudolph), and Larry D. Mann as lovable Yukon Cornelius. Two of the actors still living recently spoke to CBC Radio: Corine Conley (Rudolph's Mom) and Paul Soles (Hermie the Elf), both shared their thoughts on why the story of Rudolph has meant so much to so many over the years. To see and hear what they had to see check out this story straight from CBC:
CBC Radio - "The-Surprising-50-Year-Legacy-of-Rudolph-the-Red-Nosed-Reindeer"
The story of Rudolph, Hermie and the Misfit toys is certainly a universal one that greatly applies even in todays world. Too often, many of us struggle to try to find a way to fit in, when in the end its the world that should learn to accept us as we are. Whether we're a red-nosed reindeer or a dentist Elf, we all have a lot to offer the world and we should never short change our individuality just to try to fit in.
This will be our last post before Christmas so I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas with your family and loved ones tomorrow!
Peace, Love & Happiness
Vincent James @ LoveSongs.com
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