Brenda Lee’s Classic Christmas Song Tops Charts After 65 Years
Brenda Lee’s Classic Christmas Song Finally Tops Billboard Chart
Brenda Lee’s iconic Christmas song “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” has finally reached the top of the Billboard music chart, 65 years after it was recorded in 1958.
The 78-year-old singer has yet to react to the news that she has landed her first number one hit since 1960 with this rocking holiday song. Billboard magazine reported that the song danced its way to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart for the week ending November 30.
Written by Johnny Marks and produced by Owen Bradley, Lee’s song initially entered the Hot 100 at No. 64 on the chart dated December 12, 1960. Two weeks later, it peaked at No. 14. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the festive song started climbing the chart, spending nine weeks at No. 2 from December 2019 to December 2022. Finally, last week, it achieved a huge victory by becoming the 1,161st No. 1 in the Hot 100’s archives.
Sixty-five years after Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” it has finally reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song is a regular fixture on the chart this time of year, but until now, it has always stalled out at No. 2. https://t.co/sTJI6idOhc
— Axios (@axios) December 4, 2023
This achievement also marks the first time Mariah Carey’s classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has been beaten for the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart this season, as noted by the New York Times. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” garnered 34.9 million streams (a 69% increase) and won the top Streaming Gainer honors on the Hot 100, while Carey’s holiday song scored 32.4 million streams, according to Luminate.
In addition to Lee’s song, other beloved holiday favorites such as Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock,” Wham!’s ”Last Christmas,” Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” and Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” also made appearances on the weekly chart.
This achievement gives Lee her third number one song on the Hot 100 chart, following her first two hits in 1960 with “I’m Sorry” on July 18 and “I Want To Be Wanted” on October 24, as noted by Billboard magazine.
How does the enduring popularity of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” reflect the enduring power of classic Christmas songs?
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Featuring Lee’s powerful vocals and a catchy melody, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” has become a staple in holiday playlists over the years. Despite its popularity and recognition, the song never managed to reach the top spot on the Billboard chart – until now.
This accomplishment for Brenda Lee is significant, given the long gap between her previous number one hit and this recent success. Her last chart-topping hit was “I’m Sorry” in 1960, making it almost six decades since she has held the prestigious number one position on the Billboard chart.
Billboard’s tracking period for the week ending November 30 witnessed the sudden rise of Lee’s classic Christmas song. It is worth mentioning that the chart placement is based on various factors, including radio airplay, streaming, and digital sales. The enduring appeal and enduring popularity of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” undoubtedly played a significant role in its ascent to the top position.
What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the fact that the song was recorded more than six decades ago. Despite the passage of time, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” continues to captivate audiences and evoke a sense of nostalgia during the holiday season. Its joyful lyrics and festive energy make it a must-listen for Christmas celebrations and gatherings.
Brenda Lee’s achievement is a testament to the enduring power of classic Christmas songs and their ability to transcend generations. To have a song top the charts after so many years is a rare feat, and it highlights the timeless appeal of holiday music.
While Brenda Lee herself has not yet publicly responded to this achievement, it is undoubtedly a moment of pride and validation for the legendary singer. After a long and successful career, this milestone serves as a reminder of her talent and the impact she has had on the music industry.
As the holiday season continues, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” will likely become even more popular, as people across the globe seek joy and cheer through music. This iconic song will undoubtedly be heard at numerous holiday parties, shopping malls, and gatherings, adding to the festive atmosphere and spreading holiday spirit.
Congratulations to Brenda Lee for finally reaching the top of the Billboard chart after all these years. This achievement not only recognizes her talent but also solidifies her place in music history. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is a timeless classic that will continue to bring joy and happiness to people for generations to come.
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