Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has emerged as the new holiday anthem, claiming the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and dethroning Mariah Carey’s long-standing reign with “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The 78-year-old, affectionately known as Little Miss Dynamite, achieved this milestone with a song she recorded at the age of 13 in 1958.
Celebrating the 65th anniversary of her holiday classic, Lee has recently marked the occasion with various activities. Last month, she unveiled the song’s first-ever music video featuring Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood, adding a contemporary touch to the timeless track. Additionally, Lee is scheduled to make an appearance on NBC’s Christmas at the Opry.
The significance of this achievement is underscored by the fact that “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is only the third holiday song to claim the coveted #1 position on the Billboard charts. Its ascent to the top broke multiple records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching number 1. Furthermore, it shattered the record for the longest span between an artist’s number 1 hits.
Notably, at the age of nearly 80, Brenda Lee also secured the title of the oldest person to reach the pinnacle of the Billboard chart. In response to this extraordinary accomplishment, Lee expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating, “I cannot believe that ‘Rockin” has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special!”
Acknowledging the collaborative effort to commemorate the song’s anniversary, she extended her thanks to the team at UMG/UMe. Most importantly, Lee expressed her gratitude to the fans who have continued to embrace and resonate with the timeless track across multiple generations.
Reflecting on the enduring popularity of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and its multi-generational impact, Lee remarked, “The song came out when I was a young teenager and now to know that it has resonated with multiple generations and continues to resonate — it is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Keep on Rockin’ and Merry Christmas!”
A heartfelt congratulations to Brenda Lee for this well-deserved recognition of her enduring and beloved holiday song.