American Masters

The success of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”

Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” written by Johnny Marx, when she was 12 years old. The song received a boost thanks to its inclusion in the classic holiday movie "Home Alone." Brenda became the oldest woman to reach #1 on the Top 100 Billboard Charts when “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” charted in 2023.

The success of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”

1m 28s

  • Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

    S38 E6 - 52m 55s

    Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others.

  • Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]

    1h

    This version contains extended audio description and large open captions. Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today.

  • Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]

    52m 55s

    This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation. Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today.

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