Introduction
The beloved Christmas classic “Frosty the Snowman” isn’t actually that old, at least compared to some carols. It all began in 1950, when songwriters Steve Nelson and Walter “Jack” Rollins, buoyed by the success of their previous hit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” decided to create another holiday song.
Their target? Gene Autry, the “Singing Cowboy” known for his Christmas tunes. Frosty the Snowman fit the bill perfectly, telling the story of a magical snowman brought to life by a child’s hat. The song chronicles Frosty’s adventures with the children, the chase by a melting sun, and the bittersweet goodbye as winter fades.
Autry wasn’t the only one to record the song in 1950. The energetic comedian Jimmy Durante also took a stab at it, giving the song a slightly different flavor. However, Autry’s rendition became the more popular version, solidifying Frosty’s place as a Christmas staple.
Since then, “Frosty the Snowman” has been covered by countless artists, including the country music legend Willie Nelson. Nelson’s version brings a folksy charm to the familiar melody, making it a perfect addition to any cozy Christmas gathering.
So next time you hear those opening notes of “Frosty the Snowman,” take a moment to appreciate this relatively young song that has woven itself into the fabric of Christmas celebrations for generations. It’s a reminder that the magic of the season can be found in new creations as well as time-worn traditions.