Harry Brannon

Harry Brannon (June 19, 1920 – December 29, 1991) was an American popular singer born in Gloucester City, New Jersey.

Early in November 1949, Brannon sang "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" over the airwaves for WOR, promoting the Gene Autry classic.

Various popular artists had initially turned down the opportunity to promote the record, including Bing Crosby, due to its slow tempo.

Almost immediately, plans were made by a Hollywood production company to issue a biopic of the famous crooner and approached Brannon (who possessed a similar appearance to Crosby) to play the lead.

Brannon "dragged his feet" and put it off as long as possible until Crosby, revelling in the success of his recently released film White Christmas, rescinded his retirement plans and the biopic was shelved indefinitely.