Frosty the Snowman

From LoveToKnow Christmas

Frosty the Snowman: A True Christmas Legend

Frosty the Snowman ranks right up there with Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season.

Snowman

The Song

The Frosty the Snowman song was written by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950. Mr. Rollins is also known for writing Here Comes Peter Cottontail. Mr. Nelson is also known for his work on the TV series Webster.

Frosty the Snowman was recorded by Gene Autry, the same singer who recorded Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Later, the same song was covered by Nat King Cole, the Beach Boys, Ray Conniff, the Cocteau Twins, and a variety of other musical acts.

The lyrics to Frosty the Snowman describe how a group of young children bring their snowman to life with the help of a magical hat. The snowman and the children then go on to have a series of adventures before he is forced to say goodbye.

The Television Special

Once the Frosty song became an overnight sensation, it was only a matter of time before media executives decided Frosty needed his own television special.

In 1969, the Rankin-Bass company produced a 30 minute animated television special based on the song. This program featured the voices of comedians Jimmy Durante as the narrator and Jackie Vernon as Frosty himself. Writer Romeo Muller, who also worked on the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer program, was given the responsibility of adapting the song for television.

The Frosty television special was unique in that it marked the first use of traditional cell animation for the Rankin-Bass company. In addition, the company hired greeting card artist Paul Coker, Jr. to create characters that would give the program the feel of a “moving Christmas card.” Mr. Coker would later go on to become famous for his work as an illustrator with MAD Magazine.

After the original Frosty television special became a Christmas classic, several sequels were produced:

  • Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
  • Frosty and Rudolph’s Christmas in July
  • Frosty Returns
  • The Legend of Frosty the Snowman

Today, the Frosty Christmas programs are often broadcast on several different television stations during the month of December. If you want to enjoy Frosty year round, you can also buy the Frosty the Snowman and Frosty Returns Christmas cartoons on DVD.

Frosty Gifts and Collectibles

Since Frosty is a Christmas icon, you can purchase a number of gifts and collectibles adorned with his image. If you’re looking for the perfect present for a true Christmas fan, check out the following items:

Additional Information

If you’re interested in learning more about Frosty, check out the following fun links:


 


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