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Holiday Pop · Gene Autry

Frosty the Snowman — Lyrics, History & Fun Facts

Frosty the Snowman is a playful and imaginative Christmas song about a snowman who magically comes to life thanks to a silk top hat placed on his head. Written as a follow-up to the massive success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the song became a holiday classic in its own right and inspired a beloved animated television special. Its whimsical storytelling and catchy melody make it an enduring favorite among children and families.

First released
1950
Years old
76

Last updated:

The History of "Frosty the Snowman"

Frosty the Snowman was written by Walter 'Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950, deliberately crafted to capitalize on the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from the previous year. Gene Autry recorded the song, and it became a top-selling holiday single, reaching number four on the Billboard charts. The 1969 Rankin/Bass animated television special, narrated by Jimmy Durante, brought the character to vivid life and became an annual holiday viewing tradition. Unlike many Christmas songs, Frosty is entirely secular, focusing on the magic of imagination and the bittersweet nature of winter fun.

Fun Facts About "Frosty the Snowman"

  • It was deliberately written as a follow-up to the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • Gene Autry recorded both Frosty and Rudolph, making him the king of Christmas character songs
  • The 1969 animated TV special was narrated by Jimmy Durante
  • The song makes no mention of Christmas in its lyrics — it is purely a winter song

Movies & TV Appearances

"Frosty the Snowman" has been featured in the following movies and television specials:

  • Frosty the Snowman (1969)
  • Frosty Returns (1992)
  • Michael

Listen to "Frosty the Snowman"

You can listen to "Frosty the Snowman" on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Search for the original version by Gene Autry or explore the many popular covers recorded over the years.

More to watch and sing

Film picks, carol histories and what's newly streaming — one email a week through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote "Frosty the Snowman"?
"Frosty the Snowman" was written by Gene Autry and first released in 1950. Frosty the Snowman was written by Walter 'Jack' Rollins and Steve Nelson in 1950, deliberately crafted to capitalize on the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from the previous year.
When was "Frosty the Snowman" released?
"Frosty the Snowman" was originally released in 1950 by Gene Autry. It has since become one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.
What movies feature "Frosty the Snowman"?
"Frosty the Snowman" has been featured in several popular films and TV shows, including Frosty the Snowman (1969), Frosty Returns (1992), Michael.

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