Country Music Hall Of Famer Brenda Lee Releases First-Ever Music Video for Christmas Classic ‘Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree’

In honor of the 65^th Anniversary of Brenda Lee’s holiday classic “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” the Rock and Roll Hall and Country Music Hall of Famer has dropped a brand new music video and accompanying EP. 

Johnny Marks is responsible for penning “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” as well as many other well-known holiday classic such as “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” and more. Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” in 1958 and since then, the song has gone on to become an annual staple as December approaches. 

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” Earns 5x platinum RIAA certification

Hundreds of artists have gone on to cover this merry tune over the years, turning it into one of the most successful Christmas songs to date. Just last year, Lee’s version became the second highest streamed Christmas song with 240M streams. On top of that, UMGN CEO and Chair Cindy Mabe presented the “Sweet Nothin’s” singer with a Plaque honoring the song’s recent 5x platinum certification by the RIAA. 

The Christmas Spirit Comes To Life In First-Ever Music Video

The tradition of this nostalgia tune has resurged for its first-ever music video that made its broadcast premiere today on CMT, CMT.com, CMT Music and Paramount Times Square. 

Lee appears as the star of the video as she shines under the warm lights of the tinsel-covered Christmas tree while donning a bright red Christmas attire. 

The original recording sparks feelings of joy and anticipation for the season of giving and celebrating with loved ones as she sings, “Rockin’ around the Christmas tree / At the Christmas party hop / Mistletoe hung where you can see / Every couple tries to stop / Rockin’ around the Christmas tree / Let the Christmas spirit ring / Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie / And we’ll do some caroling.”

Intertwined with the performance clips, country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood make cameos alongside the 78-year-old music icon as she prepares for the season by trimming the tree, baking cookies and seeing the joy unfold from the kids awaiting their visit from Santa. 

“For those out there who know me and have supported me and my music through the years, I’ve very proud to be putting out the first ever music video for ‘Rockin’.’ This song has been so special to me – I never thought it would be my signature song, but I love that it is because it brings so much joy,” Lee said in a recent statement.

She went on to share her heartfelt appreciation for the millions of listeners who have made the song a part of their annual traditions. 

“I remember the day I recorded this wonderful Johnny Marks song, and here we are 65 years later and I’m only here because of you. I won’t ever meet all of you, but I know you are there and have been since I was a little girl – so Thank You and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas,” she added.

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Accompanying EP featuring Even More Holiday Classics

In addition to the music video, Lee has released a new EP called, A Rockin’ Christmas with Brenda Lee, which features a compilation of the Atlanta, GA native’s holiday favorites including “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock” “A Marshmallow World.” The final track on the project offers a fresh version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” reimagined by Filous.

Brenda Lee is set to perform “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” on the upcoming NBC television special “Christmas at the Opry.” This star-studded event will air Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and stream the next day on Peacock.