Brenda Lee, now 78 years old, has fond memories of recording her timeless holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Although it was over 66 years ago, she recalls how the studio was filled with festive decorations and how the air conditioning helped create a cheerful atmosphere on that warm day in Nashville. Remarkably, the song, which she recorded at just 13 years old, has become increasingly popular, even surpassing Mariah Carey’s beloved hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” to top the Billboard charts last December.
Lee’s song set an impressive record, marking the longest gap—65 years—between a record’s release and its ascent to the number one spot. With genuine pride, Lee expressed that “it’s a song that anybody can sing,” highlighting its joyous spirit that resonates with people of all ages. “I never thought in my life that a Christmas song would be my legacy. But I’ll take it,” she said.
Holly Gleason, a music journalist, recently observed the catchy tune’s magic while visiting a café in Nashville. As the song played, a range of customers, from parents to younger folks, joined in singing along with glee. “It’s kind of an ear worm on steroids,” she described, reflecting its powerful hold on listeners. The combination of Lee’s voice, melodic guitar, and the lively saxophone solo creates an irresistible charm that makes the song feel fresh yet nostalgically familiar.
Written by Johnny Marks, who had previous holiday hits, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” taps into the innocent joy of youth. Interestingly, the young Lee had yet to experience her first kiss at the time of recording. “I wasn’t even allowed to date until I was 16,” she laughed when reminiscing.
With plenty of lyrical references to holiday staples like pumpkin pie and caroling, the song strikes a chord, evoking memories of a simpler time. Music expert Nathaniel Sloan notes the rockabilly style contributes to its timeless appeal, with Lee’s deep vocals making it hard to believe she was just a teenager.
Initially, the song didn’t receive much attention upon its release. It only gained popularity two years later as Lee’s career took off, and it exploded in fame after being featured in the holiday classic movie “Home Alone.” Her record label continues to promote the song, even creating a new Spanish-language version this year using modern technology.
To celebrate her upcoming 80th birthday, Universal Music is throwing a special event for Lee in Nashville, honoring her vibrant spirit and contributions to music. “She’s just a force and a character,” said Cindy Mabe, the company’s CEO.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2019 and has achieved remarkable streaming success, confirming its status as a holiday favorite covered by various artists over the years.
Lee has shared her beloved song on countless occasions, even performing it during the summer. While the financial impact of the song remains unclear, Lee maintains that it’s not about the money for her; “It’s been a love thing.” Her enduring passion for music is what truly matters to her.
As we approach the holiday season, it’s clear that “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” will continue to bring joy and nostalgia to families for generations to come.
