Thanks to the hit film "Hop," It seems like E.B. is the new Easter superstar. However, the original floppy eared celebrity, that represented the egg-hunting holiday, was hopping up the country charts in 1950 thanks to Gene Autry.

In 1947, singing cowboy movie star, Gene Autry, found success writing the seasonal favorite 'Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane).'  In 1949, he finds even more success recording the original hit version of 'Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.' Then, in 1950 he brings us another holiday sing along for a different occasion, Easter.  Gene Autry went hopping up the country charts to No. 3 with the story of 'Peter Cottontail.'

'Peter' came to life through songwriters Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson. Rollins also penned 'Frosty, The Snowman' and the country classic 'I Don't Hurt Anymore.' The songwriting duo was impressed with Autry's Christmas hits, so they decided to pitch their whimsical Easter tune, in the hopes that he could work the same magic.

Gene Autry recorded and wrote hundreds of songs and appeared in 93 movies and 91 television productions.  Alongside Roy Rogers, he's known as one of  'America's Favorite Singing Cowboy.'  In addiiton to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Gene is the only entertainer to have five stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame! Gene has a star for radio, records, film, television and live theatrical performance (including rodeo).

More From 107.7 WGNA