“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree: A Timeless Holiday Classic” explores the enduring legacy of Brenda Lee’s iconic Christmas song. Recorded at the tender age of 13, this festive track has become Lee’s signature tune, propelling her to new heights of success and securing her financial stability even after retirement. Penned by Johnny Marks with Lee in mind, the song was reintroduced after her first No. 1 hit and experienced a surge in popularity following its inclusion in the beloved film “Home Alone.” As the song celebrates its 65th anniversary, Lee’s record label is commemorating the milestone with a brand-new music video and the launch of a TikTok account. Amid her illustrious career, which includes encounters with industry legends like Elvis Presley and Judy Garland, Lee also reflects on the changes in the music industry, lamenting the absence of in-person collaborations and the loss of camaraderie among musicians.
The History of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
Brenda Lee’s Recording at 13
One of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” was recorded by Brenda Lee when she was just 13 years old. In 1958, Decca Records approached Lee, a young and talented singer, to record a Christmas song. Lee was no stranger to the studio, having already recorded a few albums before. However, her rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” would go on to become her signature song and a holiday classic.
Her Signature Song
After its release, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” quickly gained popularity and solidified Brenda Lee’s status as a rising star. The song showcased Lee’s dynamic vocals and captured the festive and joyful spirit of Christmas. With its catchy melodies and lively rhythm, the song resonated with audiences and became a staple during the holiday season. To this day, Brenda Lee is often referred to as the “Queen of Rockabilly” and is forever associated with her remarkable rendition of this timeless Christmas classic.
Johnny Marks and the Song’s Creation
The creation of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” can be credited to Johnny Marks, a prolific songwriter known for his contribution to other holiday classics, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.” Marks collaborated with Brenda Lee and wrote the song specifically with her in mind. The lyrics and melodies perfectly matched Lee’s youthful energy and vocal range, further solidifying her as the perfect interpreter for this joyous holiday tune.
Rerelease and Popularity in 1960
While the song initially performed well upon its release in 1958, it wasn’t until 1960 that “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” truly gained widespread popularity. Following Lee’s first No. 1 hit with “I’m Sorry,” Decca Records decided to rerelease the song. This strategic move paid off, and the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a top-selling hit during the holiday season. Its lively and infectious rhythm, combined with Brenda Lee’s irresistible vocals, captivated audiences and ensured its place as a perennial favorite.
The Song’s Continued Success
Climbing the Charts Even After Retirement
Remarkably, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” continues to climb the charts even decades after Brenda Lee’s retirement. The timeless appeal of the song, coupled with its association with the holiday season, has kept it alive in the hearts of listeners worldwide. Each year, as Christmas approaches, the song experiences a resurgence in popularity, charting on various music platforms and capturing the attention of new generations.
Financial Success
Not only has “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remained a fan favorite, but it has also generated significant financial success for Brenda Lee. In an interesting twist, Lee once mentioned that she believes she earns more money from the song now, in her retirement, than she did when she was actively performing. The song’s enduring popularity and frequent use in various media outlets, such as commercials, movies, and TV shows, continue to generate royalties for the renowned artist.
Featured in “Home Alone”
One significant milestone in the song’s journey to becoming a holiday classic was its inclusion in the beloved movie “Home Alone” in 1990. The film’s iconic scenes involving Kevin McCallister’s mischievous antics and inventive traps were perfectly accompanied by the catchy melodies of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The song’s appearance in the film further solidified its place in popular culture and introduced it to a whole new generation of viewers and music lovers.
A Holiday Hit
Throughout the years, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has become synonymous with holiday festivities. Its inclusion in countless Christmas playlists, radio airplay during the holiday season, and its frequent presence in malls, stores, and homes during holiday decorations all contribute to its continued success. The song’s infectious energy, timeless lyrics, and Brenda Lee’s remarkable vocals make it a must-listen for anyone seeking to get into the Christmas spirit.
Celebrating the Song’s 65th Anniversary
Label’s Promotion
As the 65th anniversary of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” approaches, Brenda Lee’s label is putting in significant efforts to celebrate the milestone. The label recognizes the enduring popularity and appeal of the song and aims to reintroduce it to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. Various promotional activities, marketing campaigns, and special events are planned to commemorate the song’s remarkable journey and contributions to holiday music.
New Music Video
To coincide with the anniversary celebrations, Brenda Lee’s label is producing a new music video for “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The video aims to capture the song’s timeless charm while incorporating modern elements to appeal to a contemporary audience. By showcasing the song’s enduring qualities through visual storytelling, the video will serve as a testament to the song’s lasting impact and Brenda Lee’s remarkable talent.
TikTok Account
In an effort to reach younger audiences and tap into the power of social media, Brenda Lee’s label has also created a TikTok account dedicated to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Through captivating and engaging content, the account will showcase various renditions, dance challenges, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the song’s creation. By embracing this modern platform, the label hopes to breathe fresh life into the song and ensure its relevance for generations to come.
Brenda Lee’s Remarkable Career
Meeting Icons like Elvis Presley and Judy Garland
Brenda Lee’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the years, she had the privilege of meeting and performing alongside legendary icons such as Elvis Presley and Judy Garland. These encounters not only solidified her status as a respected artist but also provided her with valuable insights and guidance from some of the industry’s most revered figures. Lee’s ability to leave a lasting impression on such influential peers speaks volumes about her talent and professionalism.
Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to music, Brenda Lee has been inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. These prestigious accolades highlight her immense impact on the music industry and solidify her legacy as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music. Lee’s induction into these esteemed institutions is a testament to her unparalleled talent, enduring appeal, and lasting influence on generations of musicians.
Support System and Avoiding Pitfalls
Longtime Manager
One crucial aspect of Brenda Lee’s remarkable career has been the presence of her longtime manager. Throughout the challenges faced by child stars and the ever-changing music industry, Lee’s manager provided stability, guidance, and unwavering support. By surrounding herself with a team that believed in her talent and prioritized her well-being, Lee was able to navigate the complexities of fame and avoid many of the pitfalls often associated with being a child star.
Supportive Husband
In addition to her dedicated manager, Brenda Lee credits her supportive husband for being a pillar of strength throughout her career. Having a partner who understood the demands of the industry and offered unwavering support allowed Lee to find balance and stability in her personal life. The love and encouragement from her husband provided her with the necessary foundation to tackle the challenges and excel in her career, further proving the importance of a strong support system.
Recording with the A Team
Working with Top Musicians
During the early days of her career, Brenda Lee had the privilege of recording with what was commonly known as the “A Team” of studio musicians. These talented individuals, such as Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer, and Buddy Harman, among others, were renowned for their exceptional skills and versatility. Collaborating with such esteemed musicians not only elevated Lee’s recordings but also exposed her to a wealth of musical knowledge and expertise, contributing to her growth as an artist.
Changes in the Music Industry
As time went on, Brenda Lee witnessed significant changes in the music industry, particularly the transition from in-person recording sessions to digital collaborations. In an era where technology allows artists to record remotely and piece together music from different locations, Lee laments the loss of the camaraderie and energy that came from working closely with musicians in the studio. Although she appreciates the convenience and flexibility afforded by digital recording, she cherishes the memories of the vibrancy and magic that often came with recording with the A Team.
