Brenda Lee: I Never Dreamed My Legacy Would Be a Christmas Song

As the holiday season unfolds, Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey dominate the music world with their iconic Christmas songs. Last year, Brenda Lee was crowned “Honorary Queen of Christmas” as her classic 1958 hit, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, claimed the top spot on the Billboard charts. This historic milestone temporarily dethroned Carey’s perennial favorite, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, which usually reigns supreme every December.

Now, with the 2024 holiday season in full swing, Brenda Lee seems poised to reclaim her throne.

Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey: The Queens of Christmas

On December 10, Spotify announced that “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” surpassed 1 billion streams, becoming the only holiday song by a female country artist to achieve this milestone.

“I was speechless when I heard the news,” Brenda Lee shared. “I couldn’t even imagine something like this happening, let alone speak about it!”

Adding to this incredible achievement, the song has been certified 7× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over 7 million copies sold. This makes it the second-highest-certified Christmas song of all time, trailing only Mariah Carey’s holiday juggernaut.

A Friendly Rivalry with Mariah Carey

Despite their seasonal competition, the relationship between Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey remains warm and supportive. Last year, when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” hit No. 1, Carey sent Lee a bouquet of flowers.

“I thought it was the sweetest thing,” Brenda Lee said. “She’s so kind.”

This camaraderie underscores the spirit of the holidays, even as their songs continue to battle for supremacy on the charts year after year.

A Milestone Birthday Celebration

The achievement of 1 billion streams is just one reason Brenda Lee has to celebrate this December. On December 11, the legendary singer turned 80 years old.

“I think the label is throwing me a birthday party, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Lee revealed. “They said there would be some surprises, and I can’t wait to see what they are!”

A Lifetime of Music

Brenda Lee has spent the majority of her 80 years creating music. While she scored her first Billboard hit at just 12 years old, her passion for singing started long before.

“I’ve always known this was what I wanted to do because I loved it so much,” she explained. “I would’ve done it for nothing. I would’ve sung no matter what.”

However, even with her remarkable career, Lee never expected her legacy to rest on a Christmas song.

“I never dreamed my legacy would be a Christmas song,” she admitted, reflecting on the enduring success of her holiday classic.

The Enduring Legacy of ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’

As “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, Brenda Lee’s influence on holiday music remains unmatched. Her voice, timeless and joyful, has become synonymous with the spirit of Christmas.

From the warmth of its melodies to the universal cheer it brings, the song ensures that Brenda Lee’s legacy will continue to shine brightly during the holiday season for generations to come.

At 80, Brenda Lee is more than a music legend—she’s a cultural icon. Her ability to connect with audiences through a song released over six decades ago highlights the magic of her artistry. This year, as families worldwide gather to celebrate, Brenda Lee’s unforgettable voice will undoubtedly be part of their holiday soundtrack.