In a surprising twist that has the music world buzzing with holiday cheer, Brenda Lee’s timeless classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has finally claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a remarkable 65 years after its initial release. The achievement not only marks a historic moment for Lee but also dethrones Mariah Carey as the reigning Queen of Christmas, at least for this week.
Lee’s festive anthem now holds the record for the longest period between a song’s release and its ascent to No. 1, surpassing Carey’s own record with “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” This accomplishment further cements Lee’s legacy, breaking Carey’s record for the longest span between No. 1 hits, spanning from her first chart-topper in 1960, “I’m Sorry,” to the recent triumph with “Rockin’.”
At 78 years old, Lee becomes the oldest woman to achieve a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, a title previously held by the indomitable Carey. The festive spirit has clearly taken over the charts, with six Christmas-themed songs gracing the Hot 100’s top 10. Mariah Carey’s perennial favorite, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” follows closely behind Lee’s achievement at No. 2.
As Brenda Lee continues to make history, her impact on the holiday season extends beyond the music charts. The recent release of a music video for “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” featuring cameos by Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood, has undoubtedly contributed to the song’s resurgence. Lee, who turns 79 on December 11, shows no signs of slowing down, also treating fans to a new EP titled “A Rockin’ Christmas With Brenda Lee,” featuring holiday classics like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “A Marshmallow World.”
In response to her chart-topping success, Lee expressed her gratitude, stating, “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.”
Fans can catch Brenda Lee’s enchanting performance of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” on the upcoming NBC special “Christmas at the Opry,” airing on December 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and streaming on Peacock the next day. With three weeks still left until Christmas, Lee’s festive anthem is set to continue spreading holiday joy throughout the season.