It’s that time of the year again when holiday tunes dominate the airwaves. Mariah Carey’s classic hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You,” has been a perennial favorite for years. However, this year, a new song is reigning supreme: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Brenda Lee, also known as Little Miss Dynamite, is no stranger to breaking records. At the age of 78, she has achieved yet another milestone in her career. Her Christmas song has reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, dethroning Mariah Carey’s reign.
This achievement comes as Brenda Lee celebrates the 65th anniversary of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Just last month, she released the song’s first-ever music video, featuring Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. And if that wasn’t enough, she is also set to make an appearance on NBC’s “Christmas at the Opry.”
Brenda Lee’s holiday classic has now become only the third Christmas song to reach number one on the Billboard charts. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that the song has been around for 65 years. It holds the record for the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching the top spot. Additionally, Brenda Lee has achieved the longest span between an artist’s number one hits.
At nearly 80 years old, Brenda Lee has also broken the record for the oldest person to reach the top of the Billboard chart. When asked about this tremendous accomplishment, she couldn’t contain her joy. “I cannot believe that ‘Rockin” has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released; this is just so special!” she exclaimed in a press release. “Thank you to the team at UMG/UMe who worked tirelessly to celebrate the song’s anniversary this year. But most importantly, thank you to the fans who keep listening.”
Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” holds a special place in her heart. It was released during her teenage years, and the fact that it continues to resonate with multiple generations is a true testament to its enduring appeal. She considers this achievement as one of the best gifts she has ever received. So let’s keep on rockin’ to Brenda Lee’s timeless tune and have a merry Christmas!
