Brenda Lee.Photo:Alexa King Stone
Alexa King Stone
Brenda Leehas a reason to celebrate the holidays early this year.
On Monday, the singer’s 1958 classic “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” hit No. 1 on thetheBillboardHot 100 chartfor the first time, 65 years following its debut.
This marks Lee’s third No. 1 hit in her career. She earned her first No. 1 with her 1960 single “I’m Sorry."
Lee was just 13 years old when she recorded the Johnny Marks-penned hit debut, and at 78, she’s now the oldest woman to top the Hot 100, surpassing previous record-holdersCherfor “Believe” when she was 52 and Carey for “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at 53.
Brenda Lee.Alexa King Stone
In a press release statement, Lee called the song’s latest achievement “amazing.”
“I cannot believe that ‘Rockin’’ has hit No. 1 65 years after it was released, this is just so special!” she said. “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.”
Lee continued: “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!”
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Last month, Lee released thefirst-ever music videofor her Christmas classic, which features cameos fromTanya TuckerandTrisha Yearwood.
source: people.com