Image

May, according to Parade magazine, worked for the department store Montgomery Ward, and in 1939 wrote a poem for his employer to hand out during the Christmas season at stores throughout the country. The poem, about a taunted reindeer with a bright red nose, was set to music by May’s brother-in-law, and in 1949, sung by Gene Autry, it became a hit, writes Parade.

Read the full story, published 12/18/13 by Parade.