After 65 Years, Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ Tops the Charts – A Holiday Miracle

Mariah Carey’s perennial holiday favorite, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” has long dominated the charts during the festive season. However, this year, a new song has claimed the top spot: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

At 78, Brenda Lee, once known as Little Miss Dynamite, achieved a remarkable feat as her Christmas classic from 1958 reached the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 chart on Monday. Lee was merely 13 years old when she recorded the holiday anthem.

Leading up to this achievement, the now 78-year-old artist had been commemorating the 65th anniversary of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Last month, she unveiled the song’s first-ever music video, featuring Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. Additionally, Lee is scheduled to make an appearance on NBC’s Christmas at the Opry.

In its current position, Lee’s holiday classic joins the ranks of only three holiday songs that have reached #1 on the Billboard charts. Notably, the song set records by having the longest gap between its release and hitting the top spot, as well as the longest span between an artist’s number 1 hits.

Approaching 80, Lee also secured the record for the oldest person to reach the summit of the Billboard chart. In response to this milestone, she expressed her disbelief and gratitude in a press release, saying, “I cannot believe that ‘Rockin” has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special!”

She extended her thanks to the team at UMG/UMe and, most importantly, to the fans who continue to listen to her timeless song. Reflecting on the enduring resonance of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Lee remarked on its multi-generational appeal and expressed her joy at being recognized for the enduring popularity of her holiday anthem.

Congratulations to Brenda Lee on this well-deserved recognition for her timeless and beloved holiday song.