Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You” has dominated the charts every holiday season for years, but this year there’s a newish song on top: Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”.
Lee, 78, once known as Little Miss Dynamite, broke several records when her Christmas song reached the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 chart Monday.
The singer was just 13 years old when she recorded the 1958 holiday classic.
Prior to the announcement, the now 78-year-old has been celebrating the 65th anniversary of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. Last month she released the song’s first-ever music video starring Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. She is also set to appear on NBC’s Christmas at the Opry.
At it’s current position, Lee’s holiday classic becomes only the third holiday song to hit #1 on the Billboard charts.
Upon reaching the top position, the song broke the record for longest wait in between a song’s release and hitting number 1. It also broke the record for the longest span between an artists number 1 hits.
At nearly 80, Lee also broke the record for the oldest person to reach the top of the Billboard chart.
“I cannot believe that ‘Rockin’’ has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special!” Lee said in a press release. “Thank you to the team at UMG/UMe who worked so hard to celebrate the song’s anniversary this year. But most importantly, thank you to the fans who keep listening.”
“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. Keep on Rockin’ and Merry Christmas!”
Congratulations to Brenda Lee! It’s about time you were recognized for your popular holiday song.
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