‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ is 60 years old

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is 60 years old, and no one is more aware of that fact than Brenda Lee, who recorded the song when she was 13 in 1958.

The song was written by Johnny Marks, who also penned “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It didn’t become a hit until Lee started having success in 1960.

The tune is fourth on the list of all-time best-selling Christmas/holiday songs. It has had many subsequent recordings, including an instrumental version that is on the television special “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Lee recalls a friend calling her just after the McCauley Culkin movie, “Home Alone” came out, a friend called her and told her she had to go see the movie.

“They played my whole song in the movie and they never do that,” Lee explains. “All I could think of was the record company owed me money.” The songstress paused and says with a laugh, “I’m joking!”

The song has turned into a perennial favorite on radio during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas.