Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” Is One Of The Most Iconic Holiday Songs In History
Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded a song that has since gone on to become a Christmas classic. Of course, they song we’re referencing is none other than “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Written solely by Johnny Marks, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was released by Lee in 1958. Surprisingly, the song wasn’t a success upon its initial release.
The song didn’t become popular until 1960, since Lee was a bigger star by then. That year, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” peaked at the 14th spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
RELATED: BRENDA LEE SHARES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE”
When the tune celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, it had sold over 25 million copies and was the fourth most-downloaded Christmas song of all time.
Lee celebrated the song’s 65th anniversary in 2023 by releasing the first music video of her career. The clip also stars Trisha Yearwood and Tanya Tucker.
Have You Ever Heard Kelly Clarkson Sing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Before?
Due to its popularity, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has been covered by many artists of varying genres.
A couple country artists with notable recordings include LeAnn Rimes (her version peaked at the #3 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart) and Alabama (their version claimed the 64th spot on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart).
Kelly Clarkson, who has strong ties to country music, also covered the song for a holiday-themed episode of her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Clarkson opens each episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show with a segment called “Kellyoke.” During this segment, she performs covers of other artists’ songs and makes them her own.
But during the Christmas season, Clarkson also sang some of her original holiday tunes from her album Wrapped in Red.
.@kellyclarkson has 4 Christmas songs on her @Spotify Top 10 popular chart right now.🎄
#1 "Underneath The Tree"
#6 "Wrapped In Red"
#7 "Christmas Eve" (Spotify Version)
#10 "My Favorite Things" pic.twitter.com/Ew5bD2MAZe— Kelly Clarkson Taiwan 🍷💔☀️ (@KellyTaiwan) December 23, 2019
In addition to singing her own Christmas songs, Clarkson covered holiday hits such as Chuck Berry’s “Run Run Rudolph” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Clarkson delivered her cover of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” on a stage decorated with a number of Christmas trees. The trees were decked out in twinkling lights, creating a magical holiday scene.
The studio audience seemed to enjoy Clarkson’s cover. Everyone stood up and clapped throughout the song and appeared to be having a good time!
Tune in to the clip below to see Clarkson’s lively “Kellyoke” cover of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Watching her performance is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.