The Official Website of Gene Autry, America's Favorite Singing Cowboy

Fun Autry Fact:

When he was a young man, Gene received an offer from a professional baseball team to become a player. Gene turned down the offer because it would have meant a fifty-dollar-a-month pay cut from his telegrapher's job.

Gene Autry's Cowboy Christmas

Gene and Rudolph

America's Favorite Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry was already a popular radio star and movie icon when he recorded Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) in 1947, a song which he co-wrote with Oakley Haldeman. The record launched Gene into yet another field of stardom, that of the role of the Christmas Cowboy. Gene Autry's affiliation with Old Saint Nick would lead him to record numerous Christmas songs including the chart topping holiday hit, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Gene also participated in the Hollywood Christmas Parade in 1945, 1946, 1947, and was the Grand Marshal of the parade in 1980. Gene and his wife Jackie Autry rode in the parade in the early 1980s.

Half a century later, Gene is probably best known for his Christmas recordings of Here Comes Santa Claus and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Visit the Christmas Songs History section for the stories behind the songs. Rekindle that holiday feeling or create some new memories with the CDs and storybook below.

Christmas Song History

Here Comes Santa Claus
(Right Down Santa Claus Lane)

Gene Autry's association with Christmas began in 1947 with his classic Christmas song Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down anta Claus Lane). Inspired by the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade, the song became a million seller for Gene and his recording remains popular today. You'll find information, photos, and Gene singing Here Comes Santa Claus in this special section.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

"You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen..." but do you know the story behind the most famous reindeer of all? Learn more about Gene Autry's 1949 classic Christmas recording Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer in this special Rudolph section. You'll find information on songwriter Johnny Marks, song lyrics, Gene Autry singing Rudolph more here.

Gene Autry Christmas YouTube Clips

Gene Autry's Melody Ranch Radio Show was broadcast weekly from 1940 to 1956. During the holiday season Gene and his musical cast performed a variety of Christmas songs and holiday humor. Today you can enjoy these vintage radio moments via the Gene Autry Official YouTube Channel's special playlists:


For more radio, movie, and television clips visit the Gene Autry Official YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe so you'll receive updates whenever Gene Autry Entertainment uploads new videos! Read More

Gene Autry's Christmas Classics Debut on Billboard Hot 100 in 2018

The 2018 holiday season was extra special for Gene Autry and his classic Christmas songs because "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time!

ASCAP's Top Holiday Songs

Every year ASCAP provides a list of the top holiday songs played on the airwaves across America. Find out where Gene Autry's performances and songs rank year to year. ASCAP is the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Photo Album: 2005 Founder's Day Exhibit
“Gene Autry, The Christmas Cowboy”

Each fall, the Autry National Center presents a cameo exhibit focused on one special aspect of its founder's life and career. Currently on display are artifacts from Gene Autry's Christmas history including the outfit he wore in the Hollywood Christmas Parade and also featured on the cover of his Christmas album “Gene Autry Sings Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Other Christmas Favorites.” Can't visit Los Angeles to see it for yourself? Lucky for you we photographed the installation of this special display and you can see it all in our photo album.

Gene Autry Christmas CDs & LPs


Gene Autry Christmas Stuff

  • The Gene Autry Christmas Book
    (2014)

    Holiday favorites like Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snow Man along with rare out of print and hard to find treasures Santa's Coming in a Whirlybird, Nine Little Reindeer and The Night Before Christmas, In Texas That Is are now available in one complete songbook.

  • Gene Autry Star Ornament
    (2013)

    New this year, Gene Autry Entertainment and the Autry Museum of the American West are pleased to present the limited edition Gene Autry Star Ornament designed and created by artist Tandy Wilson.

  • Gene Autry and Rudolph T-Shirt
    (2009) – Sold Out

    Exclusive to the Autry Museum Store! Celebrate your favorite Singing Cowboy and your favorite flying reindeer with this Gene Autry and Rudolph T-shirt.

  • Gene Autry Centennial Artistry of Poland Glass Ornament
    (2006) – Sold Out

    Celebrate the Gene Autry Centennial with this special handmade glass ornament! Lovingly reproduced from a 1940s photograph of Gene Autry and Champion, this new and elaborate glass ornament will be cherished by Gene Autry fans for years to come.

  • Ladies' Limited Edition Holidaytime Handbag
    (2005) – Sold Out

    Take our favorite "Christmas Cowboy" with you everywhere you go! Seasonless and timeless, this unique handbag is made from an authentic Gene Autry Christmas record album, Holidaytime.

  • Commemorative 2002 Holiday Ornament
    (2002) – Sold Out

    The 2002 Gene Autry ornament is Gene and Champion riding along and roping.

  • Here Comes Santa Claus Illustrated Story Book
    (2002) – Sold Out

    From the moment Gene Autry co-wrote and recorded Here Comes Santa Claus in 1947, the song has served as a Christmas classic for children and the young-at-heart.

  • Commemorative 2001 Holiday Ornament
    (2001) – Sold Out

    The 2001 Gene Autry ornament is Gene's hat, Martin D-45 guitar, and Bluebird boots surrounded by music notes.

Vintage Gene Autry Christmas Items

  • Christmas Sheet Music Set
    (2008)

    This collection includes individual sheet music of six Christmas songs.

  • Holidaytime with Gene Autry
    (1966)

    As the Christmas season approaches our thoughts turn more frequently to remembering the life and teaching of the One whose birth we celebrate on this day.

  • Christmastime with Gene Autry
    (1958) – Sold Out

    These Christmas songs come from the heart of a man who has a deep feeling for the spirit and warmth of this holiday which means so much to all of us, as we feel that CHRISTMASTIME with GENE AUTRY will help his friends everywhere enjoy the real spirit of Christmas.

  • Gene Autry's Christmas Folio
    (1954)

    This song book, with the charming Gene Autry Christmas cover illustration by Chuck Saxton, was released by Gene Autry’s Western Music Publishing Co. in 1954.

Purchasing Info
To buy these items and much more, go to:
The Autry Museum of the American West's online Museum Store

Or contact the Museum Store at:
(323) 495-4228

Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
Closed on Mondays

The sale of Gene Autry items will further the educational
and cultural mission of the renowned Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.