Christmas music has been dominating local radio play since
Thanksgiving. For five weeks every year, many old – and some newer – seasonal
standards are played over, and over, and over on local radio stations, cable
and Internet music services and at local music shops. And we have Johnny Marks to
thank for much of this.
Johnny Marks may be Mr. Santa Claus to the recording
industry. He is responsible for composing some of the most well-known and
beloved holiday music, including: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer; Run, Rudolph
Run; Rockin’Around the Christmas Tree; A Holly Jolly Christmas; Silver and Gold;
Happy New Year Darling, and many, many more. Marks is a member of the
Songwriters Hall of Fame, and a complete listing of his song catalog appears on
the SHF website.
Marks passed away in 1985, but his estate continues to
profit from the five week bonanza of air play for his songs. And by far, his
single most famous and most profitable song is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Numerous singers have recorded versions of Rudolph, including Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Ray Conniff, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Paul Anka, Burl Ives, The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, Ringo Starr, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Destiny's Child, Barry Manilow, DMX and more. A1980 article in People Magazine states that Marks earned over $800,000 in annual
music royalties at that time, with 75% attributed to Rudolph.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Santa to the record business -- Johnny Marks.
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