Marks wrote many popular holiday songs, such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, “A Holly Jolly Christmas”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Silver and Gold”, “I hear Bells on Christmas Day”, and “Run Rudolph Run”.

• During World War II, Marks served in the US military, earning a Bronze Star and four Battle Stars as a Captain in the 26th Special Service Company.