It’s been 65 years since Brenda Lee released “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, but its popularity isn’t fading away. This holiday classic finally hit No. 1 in the US, setting several Billboard Hot 100 records and making Lee the oldest person to top this chart.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” took the backseat to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” for the past four years and peaked at No. 2 during the holiday season, but it’s finally its time to shine! This holiday classic topped the Hot 100 chart this week, with 34.9 million streams, 20.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 3,000 downloads.
Lee originally recorded this song when she was just 13, and several popular covers emerged over the years. “Christmas Tree” has also been notably featured in the holiday comedy Home Alone, and Lee said that this was “the catalyst that pushed it over that hill.”
At the age of 78, Lee is the oldest person in history to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and she set several more milestones along the way. She also set a new record for the longest run to no. 1 (65 years), the longest span, and the longest break between number-one singles on the Hot 100 chart (63 years). She previously topped the chart with “I’m Sorry” and “I Want To Be Wanted” in 1960.
