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

Season 38 Episode 6 | 1m 28s

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.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Discover how Hazel Scott started jazzing the classics.
Learn about jazz artist Hazel Scott, the first Black American to have their own TV show.
When Hazel Scott was accused of affiliations with communism, she was determined to clear her name.
Hazel Scott went on strike while shooting "The Heat's On," where she plays two pianos at once.
Discover the lives of those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape.
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.
Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.
Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.
Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.