Brenda Lee Set a Record: ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ #1
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Brenda Lee’s iconic holiday hit “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time ever, 65 years after the song’s debut. The accomplishment was announced on December 4, 2023. By hitting the #1 spot, Lee broke several records, many of which were held by Mariah Carey and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” whom Lee beat out for the top spot. Lee claimed just the third holiday #1 ever on the Hot 100. And news arrived on Lee’s 79th birthday—December 11—that the single had retained the top spot for a second week for the chart to be dated December 16.
It was also the third #1 pop hit for the Rock and Roll Hall and Country Music Hall of Famer. Lee now holds the record for the longest gap between an artist’s first and most recent week at #1 on the Hot 100, as her first #1 was her single “I’m Sorry” in 1960, 63 years ago. Lee and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” now also hold the record for the longest climb to the top of the Hot 100, as the Johnny Marks-written hit was released 65 years ago, when Lee was just 13 years old. Now Lee, born December 11, 1944, is also the oldest woman to top the Hot 100, far surpassing previous record-holders Cher (“Believe,” age 52) and Carey (“All I Want for Christmas is You,” age 53).
Brenda Lee in 2023 (Photo: Alexa King Stone; used with permission)
In a statement, Lee said, “This is amazing! I cannot believe that ‘Rockin’’ has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special! But most importantly, thank you to the fans who keep listening. 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.”
In 2023, for the song’s 65th anniversary, Lee released its first ever music video featuring cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood.
Lee signed with the Decca Records label before her 12th birthday and went on to record such landmark hits as “Sweet Nothin’s,” “All Alone Am I,” “Break it to Me Gently” and “I’m Sorry.” Though she had success in multiple genres including rockabilly, pop and rock, Lee found her home in country music. Lee is said to have sold more than 100 million records globally. Throughout her career she shared stages and earned the respect of the world’s most revered performers. The Beatles opened for her and Elvis Presley and Lee made their Grand Ole Opry debut on the same night. Lee had nine consecutive top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits from 1960 to 1962 and set a record for a female solo artist that was unequaled until over two decades later. Lee churned out country hits such as “Sunday Sunrise” and “Big Four Poster Bed” and continued to have country hits into the 80s, including “I Love Her So,” a duet with George Jones. Lee was the first woman inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame and she is a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” was certified 5x Platinum by the RIAA.
Lee’s recordings are available here.
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationBrenda Lee is pure class and a musical treasure. I’ve loved her and her music since I was a kid growing up in the late 50’s and throughout the 60’s and then on into the 70’s and 80’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree with Hank Garland’s guitar licks and her distinctive voice takes me back in time, and, like the rest of her songs is a timeless classic.