The holiday charts have been dominated for years by Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit song “All I Want for Christmas is You,” but this year “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, a relatively new tune, is at the top.
When Lee, 78,—formerly known as Little Miss Dynamite—had her Christmas song premiere at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list on Monday, it broke numerous records.
She was barely 13 when she recorded the 1958 holiday classic.
The 78-year-old was celebrating “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’s” 65th anniversary prior to the announcement. Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood starred in the song’s first music video, which she released last month. She will also appear on Christmas at the Opry on NBC.
Lee’s beloved Christmas tune is just the third Christmas song to top the Billboard charts.
The song broke the record for the greatest period of time between the release of a single and its peak position when it hit number one. It also shattered the record for the longest interval between an artist’s number-one hits.
At the age of nearly 80, Lee also broke the record for the oldest person to top the Billboard list.
“This is just so special—I can’t believe ‘Rockin’ has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released!” As per a press release released by Lee. “We appreciate all of the UMG/UMe team’s hard effort in celebrating the song’s anniversary this year. Above all, I want to express my gratitude to the followers who still tune in.
“Knowing that the song has resonated with multiple generations and continues to resonate—it is one of the best gifts I have ever received.” The song was published when I was a young adolescent. Rock on, and have a happy Christmas!
Brenda Lee, congrats! It’s high time you were given recognition for your well-known Christmas song.
