Most people associate Brenda Lee with the iconic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” There’s so much more to this music legend than one holiday song, though. From a phenomenal chart-topper career to an uplifting personal life, Brenda Lee’s life is one of talent, toughness, and lasting impact. Here’s a closer look at what makes her so unforgettable.
10. A powerhouse of the 1960s
Brenda Lee was more than a one-hit phenomenon. During the 1960s, she had more US Hot 100 singles than anyone but Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Ray Charles. With well over 100 million records sold, her voice—hailed as “the greatest rock’n’roll voice of them all” by John Lennon—has influenced generations of artists, including Taylor Swift, who described her as “grace” and “class” and an inspiration to emulate.
9. Viral appeal in the digital age
Even decades later, Brenda Lee has a habit of going viral. A TikTok clip with her, a Christmas tree, and country legends Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood started the buzz again on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” She even trended for a day by singing to passengers on a bumpy flight, and showed that her warmth and energy never fade.
8. Connecting pop and country
Brenda Lee was the quintessential crossover star. Conquering pop charts in the ’60s and subsequently finding her niche in country music, her career lasted decades. Giving induction speeches or surprise performances, she still holds audiences in the palm of her hand.
7. A lasting love story
In a business that is all about fleeting flings, Brenda’s marriage to Ronnie Shacklett is an exception. They eloped six months into knowing each other when Brenda was 17, and they’ve been together since 1963. Brenda attributes loyalty as her superpower, keeping her focused both in her life and career.
6. Creating a holiday classic
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” did not become an overnight phenomenon. Brenda recorded it when she was 13 in a holiday-themed recording studio set by producer Owen Bradley. Johnny Marks, who also provided “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” wrote the song. It took a few years to make its way up the charts, but it has become an annual favorite, covered by the likes of Justin Bieber and Kacey Musgraves.
5. Surmounting early adversity
Brenda’s rise to fame was not smooth. Born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up in humble surroundings and became a breadwinner to the family at age nine after her father’s passing. Her mother’s courage and her passion for music kept her going.
4. Inspiring music legends
She has some of the largest names in music as her fan base. Elvis Presley loved her rockabilly-country mix, John Lennon hailed her vocals as unmatched, and Taylor Swift has incessantly lauded her as a model of poise and calmness.
3. A prodigy in the making
Brenda began performing in public while she was not yet a teenager, becoming locally famous and then nationally recognized. At age 13, she was making records and appearing on TV shows, and by the 1960s, everyone knew her name.
2. The origin of her signature hit
The production of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is the stuff of legend. Brenda aced it in three takes, courtesy of a wintry studio environment and the vision of her producer. First released in 1958, the song didn’t quite hit the charts upon initial release but eventually entered the canon of holiday classics.
1. Shattering records at 78
In 2023, Brenda Lee was the oldest artist ever to reach No. 1 on the US charts when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” reached No. 1, 65 years after its release. It was the streaming, radio, and new generations of her fans who discovered her music that provided this stunning comeback, showing that legends never really die.
From her humble roots to record-breaking decades down the line, Brenda Lee’s music and life are a testament to talent, grit, and enduring charm. She teaches us that great legends don’t only produce hits—they make history.