What came first Rudolph the song or movie?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first came to life as a fictional character created for the Montgomery Ward department store chain. Robert L. May, a copywriter for the Chicago-based department store, originally created the character as part of a holiday coloring book offered to children. The publication proved to be a huge success and has been reprinted annually ever since its original publication in 1939. The original story followed Rudolph as he was excluded from the other reindeer's games and activities due to his unique red nose. However, Rudolph's life changed when Santa Claus came to visit and realized that his red nose could act as a guide in foggy weather.

In 1949, songwriter Johnny Marks was commissioned to turn the story into a song. Gene Autry was chosen to record the song which was released on Dec. 15, 1949, and eventually went on to sell two million copies.

In 1964, a claymation TV special based on the song and story, also titled "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", was first broadcast on NBC. The stop-motion animated television special was produced by Rankin/Bass Productions. The special features the voices of Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, and Morey Amsterdam. The character designs were created by Arthur Rankin, Jr. and Jules Bass, and the special was directed by Larry Roemer. It has been broadcast annually ever since its original airing.