After Gene Autry found success with Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, he was looking for another seasonal hit. He recorded the song with the Cass County Boys in 1950.
The song was written by Walter Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson, who also wrote Peter Cottontail. The men brainstormed for months before deciding the song should be about a living snowman.
Although Christmas is not specifically mentioned, this is considered a Christmas song, due to the winter theme.
The song is about a snowman that comes to life after some children place a hat on his head they have found. The title had originally been Frosty the Snow Man.
Little Golden Books published a children’s book based on the story of Frosty in 1950.
The Gene Autry version of Frosty the Snowman was released on December 14, 1950. The song was an instant hit and became much loved by all who heard it.
The animated television special was made in 1969. This version continues to be shown and enjoyed each Christmas season.
Four sequels have also been made over the years. These include Frosty’s Winter Wonderland in 1976, Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July in 1979, Frosty Returns in 1992, and The Legend of Frosty the Snowman in 2005.
The song has been recorded by numerous performers including Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, The Ronettes and Johnny Matthis.