Brenda Lee Shares Her Story of Recording ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at Just 13 Years Old : ‘I Never Dreamed It Would Be My Legacy’ (Exclusive)
At 81, Brenda Lee reveals how a 13-year-old’s 1958 recording became a global holiday masterpiece
When Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958, she was just 13 years old—and she never imagined it would become one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time. “You know, you record your Christmas stuff in the summer. So that’s always, like, weird,” she tells Woman’s World as our latest cover girl (get your copy here).
But her producer, Owen Bradley, knew how to create the right festive mood. He decorated the studio with a big Christmas tree, holiday ornaments, and even had some of the band members dressed in Santa suits. “It was a lot of fun,” Brenda recalls. “It really was. The warmth of the studio, the laughter, the magic—it all just took hold that day.”
The song’s timeless magic
More than six decades later, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” continues to reach new audiences. Brenda says the song’s enduring appeal still amazes her. “I feel good when any generation listens, to tell you the truth,” she says. “This song is kind of magical.”
Brenda also loves sharing the lesser-known story behind the song’s creation. “Believe it or not, it was written by Johnny Marks, a Jewish man who wrote many of the Christmas standards like ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’,” she says. “It’s such a well-crafted song. You can hear it once and almost immediately sing along—you don’t have to puzzle over the lyrics. It’s just effortless and catchy, and that’s why it lasts.”
Why Brenda Lee never tires of ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’
Despite its constant presence during the holidays, Brenda says she never gets tired of singing it. “It’s funny. I still sing it in every show—winter, summer, spring or fall.”
The song is also woven into her personal life and family traditions. “It’s always in there somewhere,” she smiles.
From a 13-year-old singer to a global hit
Looking back, Brenda finds it incredible how far the song has traveled. “It’s crazy. I think I recorded that when I was 13 and never dreamed that it would become what it has become,” she says. Even then, she sensed something special. “I knew it was a good song.”
Today, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains more than a chart-topping hit. For Brenda Lee, it’s a joyful reminder of youth, music and the unexpected magic that can come from one unforgettable recording session. “I never dreamed that a Christmas song would be a big part of my legacy.”
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