Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

This 1951 release on RCA Victor, catalog number WY 353, features Paul Wing narrating the story accompanied by Russ Case and His Orchestra. The recording stems from the massive post-war popularity of Gene Autry’s 1949 chart-topping rendition of the song, which itself was based on the 1939 advertising poem written by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward. By the early 1950s, the Rudolph character had transitioned from a corporate marketing tool into a permanent fixture of holiday folklore, prompting labels like RCA to produce various adaptations for the children's market.

Paul Wing, a well-known voice actor and narrator for RCA’s Little Nipper series, was tasked with creating a narrative-focused version that highlighted the storytelling elements of the reindeer's journey. The design of the record, released under the Little Nipper imprint, was intended to be accessible for young listeners, featuring illustrative sleeve art consistent with the colorful, child-friendly aesthetic RCA employed for their 45 rpm and 78 rpm children’s sets. While Autry’s version remained the standard for the radio and charts, Wing’s storytelling approach was received as a staple for family record players throughout the decade.