Brenda Lee rules the ‘Queen of Christmas’ crown as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” returns to the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 chart 65 years after its initial recording in 1958.
This historic achievement by the singer now known as Little Miss Dynamite has set numerous records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching #1, and the longest span between an artist’s #1 hits. At 78, Lee becomes the oldest person to ever top the chart, breaking Louis Armstrong’s previous record.
Recording the holiday classic at just 13 years old, Lee has been marking the song’s 65th anniversary with various celebratory activities, including appearing in its first-ever video and joining Tik Tok to introduce a new generation of listeners to the festive tune.
The announcement of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” returning as a chart-topper brings to light the song’s historical statistics, emphasizing its lasting impact and widespread popularity over the years.
With this remarkable feat, Lee has achieved the third holiday song to hit #1, joining the legendary status of 1958’s “The Chipmunk Song” and Mariah Carey’s 1994 seasonal hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You”.
The song’s current peak marks Lee’s third Hot 100 #1, further solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Undoubtedly, Lee’s milestone achievement has set several chart records according to Billboard, showcasing the enduring impact of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”.
- Longest run to #1. Billboard’s Gary Trust notes that “Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ shatters the record for the longest wait from a song’s release – 65 years – to it hitting No. 1 on the Hot 100, surpassing the 25-year gap for Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’.”
- Longest span of #1s. Lee rewrites the record for the longest span of an artist topping the Hot 100 with 63 years and four months, surpassing Mariah Carey’s previous milestone.
- Longest break between #1s. Making history again, Lee marks the longest break between Hot 100 No. 1s, demonstrating the enduring appeal and relevance of her music.
- Oldest #1 artist. At 78 years young, Lee becomes the oldest artist to top the chart, surpassing previous records held by prominent figures in the music industry.
Cher also celebrates her holiday success with “DJ Play a Christmas Song,” reaching #1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary radio airplay chart.
