NEWS
Iconic Christmas Song ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’ Hits 1 Billion Streams
Brenda Lee, the beloved country music legend, has achieved a remarkable milestone with her iconic holiday song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” First recorded at the tender age of 13 in 1958, the song has become one of the most enduring and beloved Christmas classics in history. This year, Brenda Lee has added a new achievement to her long list of accolades. She is now the first female country artist to have a holiday song with over a billion streams on Spotify, a significant accomplishment that speaks to the enduring popularity of both the song and the artist.
The success of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has been nothing short of extraordinary. While it was initially released over six decades ago, the song has stood the test of time and remains a holiday staple. Every year, it brings joy to millions of people around the world, evoking a sense of nostalgia and festive spirit. Brenda Lee’s youthful voice, full of warmth and cheer, has become synonymous with Christmas for countless fans. Over the years, the song has been featured in movies, TV shows, and advertisements, further cementing its place in pop culture.
In 2019, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a recognition that highlighted its cultural and historical significance. This honor solidified the song’s place in music history. However, the song’s success did not stop there. It has continuously charted on the Billboard Hot 100, with its most recent chart performance marking 65 years since its original release, setting a new record for the longest gap between the original release and topping the Hot 100.
Brenda Lee’s achievement of surpassing one billion streams on Spotify is a testament to the timeless appeal of her music. As of 2024, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” stands as the most streamed holiday song by a female country artist, further solidifying Brenda Lee’s status as a legendary figure in the music industry. To commemorate this milestone, Brenda was awarded a special plaque recognizing the achievement, which was presented to her in an emotional ceremony.
In a video shared on social media, Brenda Lee appeared visibly moved as she received the plaque. The video captured the moment as she reflected on her career and the incredible journey she has been on. Along with the plaque for reaching one billion streams on Spotify, Brenda was also honored with a 7x Platinum certification for the song from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), further underscoring the song’s lasting success.
Fans of Brenda Lee took to social media to celebrate her achievement, expressing their admiration and love for the singer. Many fans were particularly touched by the fact that Brenda had recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” when she was just a teenager, making her incredible vocal performance all the more impressive. One fan wrote, “No one deserves these honors more than the legendary Brenda Lee!” Another shared their appreciation, saying, “I love you and your beautiful songs.” The comments flooded in, with many fans reminiscing about how they have enjoyed her music for years, particularly during the holiday season.
Brenda Lee’s success story began at an incredibly young age. At just 12 years old, she achieved her first Billboard hit with “One Step at a Time,” a remarkable feat that foreshadowed her future in music. Over the years, Brenda became a major force in the country and pop music scenes, selling over 100 million records globally. Her success was not limited to Christmas music; she went on to release several other hits, including “Sweet Nothin’s,” “If You Love Me,” and “The End of the World.” These songs helped cement her place as one of the most respected and accomplished artists in the music industry.
Throughout her career, Brenda Lee has received numerous accolades and honors. She has won a Grammy Award, four NARM Awards, three NME Awards, and five Edison Awards. In addition to her Grammy win, she became the first woman to be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, Rolling Stone named her one of the greatest singers of all time, an acknowledgment of her exceptional talent and contributions to music.
Brenda Lee’s influence extends far beyond the holiday season. Her songs have become part of the soundtrack of people’s lives, from childhood to adulthood, and her voice remains as powerful and moving as ever. Fans continue to celebrate her music, whether it’s the joy of Christmas or the timeless appeal of her classic hits. For many, Brenda Lee’s songs represent not only great music but also cherished memories, a connection that transcends time.
Her achievement of surpassing a billion streams on Spotify is a testament to the power of music to connect people across generations. As the first female country artist to reach this milestone with a holiday song, Brenda Lee has shown that her music is as relevant today as it was when she first recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Her journey from a 13-year-old girl with an extraordinary voice to a global music icon is a remarkable story of talent, perseverance, and the enduring power of music.
As Brenda Lee celebrates this incredible milestone, fans around the world continue to enjoy her music, keeping the spirit of Christmas alive year after year. With her unparalleled vocal talent, her legacy as one of the greatest artists in music history is secure. Brenda Lee has proven that her impact on the world of music will never fade, and her songs will continue to inspire and bring joy for generations to come. Whether it’s the infectious energy of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or the heartwarming lyrics of her other hits, Brenda Lee’s voice will always be a cherished part of the holiday season and the broader musical landscape.