The most recent Billboard Hot 100 chart has marked a historic moment: Brenda Lee's timeless holiday classic "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," originally released in 1958, has claimed the top spot on the country's music charts 65 years after its debut.
Lee, 78, learned of this achievement on December 4, and it was an emotional moment.
In a clip posted by Billboard, Lee, who was just 13 when she recorded the festive hit, joined Universal Music Group Nashville CEO Cindy Mabe in reflecting on the enduring passion of Lee's fans.
‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ tops music charts for 1st timewww.youtube.com
Mabe delivered the momentous news:
"Today, we're No. 1 on the Hot 100 Billboard charts, 65 years later."
Lee, visibly moved, wiped away a tear and responded, "No." Mabe reassured her, saying, "You are.” Overwhelmed, Lee asked, "Really?" Mabe confirmed, "You are," leading to an emotional hug between the two.
In an interview with Billboard, Lee expressed gratitude for her record label, acknowledging the hard work of everyone involved.
Lee remarked:
"I'm happy for everybody here that's worked so hard to make this happen because in today's world, everything moves so fast and furious. But I'm telling you this: My label has come to bat."
Lee also took a moment to remember the late Johnny Marks, the songwriter behind the holiday classic, along with other hits like "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas."
Lee shared Marks' story of inspiration:
"He was laying on the beach in New York, took a nap or something, and when he woke up, he saw the pine trees were kind of swaying. I said, 'You got pine trees on the beach in New York?'”
“He said, 'Yeah,' and I thought the pine trees are rocking, and he went home and came up with 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree.'"
The internet is smitten by this wholesome story:
Congratulation, Brenda!