Known as America's Favorite Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry's career spanned some 70 years in the entertainment industry. He became famous in radio, records, film, television, and live tour performances including rodeo. From the late 1920s through the early 1950s, Gene Autry recorded and wrote hundreds of songs; he was the most successful singing cowboy, appearing in 93 movies and starring in 91 episodes of his television series. Gene Autry was ranked among the most celebrated film stars, and for years was considered to be the most popular Western film actor. In his later years, Gene Autry owned television and radio stations across the country and was the original owner of the Angels Major League Baseball team in Anaheim, California.

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Gene Autry's "Frosty the Snow Man" Columbia Records recording, Gene Autry Entertainment commissioned his official biographer Holly George-Warren to write about its history.

When America’s Favorite Cowboy Gene Autry segued from Western hitmaker into holiday magic maker, character-driven songs became his forte – via such beloved subjects as Santa Claus in 1947, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 1949, and in 1950, Frosty the Snow Man.

That first year of a new decade was monumental for Gene. By 1950, his massive fanbase had expanded from his first generation of admirers who’d been watching his films and buying his records since the 1930s to a new crop of devotees: Following World War II, the children of his original audience fell in love with the singing cowboy’s movies and weekly CBS radio program. Then he captured even more fans with his brand-new TV show that debuted in 1950, a line of Gene Autry comic books, and, of course, his recordings. That spring, he’d scored another holiday hit with the Easter-themed song, “Peter Cottontail.” Soon after, the catchy number’s songwriters – Steve Nelson and Walter E. “Jack” Rollins – presented to Gene a new holiday classic: “Frosty the Snow Man.” Originally spelled “Snow Man” on its sheet music and the record’s picture sleeve – but today usually spelled Snowman – the song would be the fourth holiday smash forever associated with Gene Autry. Read the full article on our website.

Gene Autry Social Media
Updated November 3, 2025

Gene Autry connected with his fans during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s via letters, phone calls, official Fan Club magazines, and of course personal appearances. Today fans can connect with Gene's music, movies, and more via official Social Media outlets like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Folks can also subscribe to streaming services like Spotify for Gene's music and Shout! TV for Gene's films and television series.

For information on how to sign up for and use Gene Autry's official social media and streaming sites. Read more on our website here.

Gene Autry Entertainment is excited to share the brand new "Gene Autry - Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Official Animated Video)". Can you find the hidden references to Gene Autry's original 1949 Columbia Records classic in this sweetly animated music video? Watch it now and sing-along with Gene! @christmassongs