Brenda Lee Rocks in Christmas Charts as her song ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ Hits No. 1
Originally published: December 2023 | Updated: June 2026
At 78 years old, Brenda Lee has achieved what most musicians only dream of — a No. 1 hit, more than six decades after first recording it. Her beloved Christmas anthem “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” recorded when she was just 13 years old, climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making history in more ways than one.
It is a story of timeless music, streaming-era surprises, and a legend who never stopped rocking.
A Record That Waited 65 Years to Hit No. 1
Lee’s accomplishment etches itself in history as only the third holiday song to claim the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100. It also stands as her third career No. 1, with the previous one being “I Want to Be Wanted” in October 1960. This remarkable feat spans 63 years, securing her a place in the record books for the longest gap between No. 1 songs—an accolade previously held by Cher for 25 years following the rise of “Believe” in 1999. At 78, Lee now holds the distinction of being the most mature musician to achieve No. 1, breaking a 59-year record held by Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello Dolly” became a hit in 1964.
Beyond her chart-topping success, Brenda Lee, a living musical history book, sat down with PEOPLE to discuss her amicable rivalry with Carey, recollections of the amusing “Christmas in July” recording session that birthed the record-breaking classic, and her early friendships with the Beatles and Elvis Presley.
Expressing her emotions in a video shared by Billboard, Lee remarked, “It was so surreal! I still don’t believe it. Even though I know the song is great and written by a great man, after all these years it’s just surreal.”
History Made — Records Broken
The journey of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to No. 1 set several records, including the longest break between No. 1s on the Hot 100, previously held by Cher. Lee’s label strategically promoted the song for its 65th anniversary, accompanied by a new music video featuring Lee lip-syncing to her 13-year-old self and appearances by friends like Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. The video has garnered an impressive 13 million views on YouTube.
Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey — A Friendly Rivalry
Claiming the top spot meant displacing none other than Mariah Carey, whose holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” had dominated the Christmas chart for years. Rather than any bitterness, the moment sparked a heartwarming exchange between the two artists. Carey sent Lee a bouquet of flowers along with a congratulatory note wishing her a Merry Christmas and celebrating her historic achievement. Lee, gracious as ever, made clear she has never viewed herself as being in competition with Carey or any other artist.
After a two-week run at No. 1, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” passed the torch back to Carey’s perennial favorite — a fitting passing of the holiday crown between two music legends.
Brenda Lee’s journey from a 13-year-old girl recording a Christmas song in Nashville to a 78-year-old chart-topper is one of music’s most extraordinary stories. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was always a great song. It just took the world 65 years to make it official. Every Christmas season from here on, when that familiar guitar riff kicks in, listeners will know they are hearing not just a holiday classic — but a piece of genuine music history.
