How Brenda Lee’S “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” Wasn’T A Hit Until 20 Years After Its Release

March 20, 2025

As Brenda Lee stepped into the recording studio in 1958, she was just a teenager with a big dream. With her fiery red hair and a voice full of emotion, she was ready to bring her latest song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” to life. The upbeat melody and festive lyrics seemed perfect for the holiday season, and Brenda poured her heart into every note. However, when the song was released, it didn’t create the buzz she had hoped for. In fact, it barely made a splash in the music world, leaving Brenda and her team feeling disheartened.

Brenda went on to have a successful career with hits like “I’m Sorry” and “Sweet Nothin’s,” but “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” seemed like a forgotten memory tucked away in the back of her mind. As Christmas after Christmas rolled by, she watched as other artists released their seasonal songs, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. It was hard to believe that a song she loved so much wasn’t finding its place in the hearts of listeners. Yet instead of giving up, Brenda continued to perform and share her passion for music, believing that perhaps one day, the world would catch on to her Christmas tune.

Then, something magical happened. In the late 1970s, holiday music began to shift, and suddenly, old favorites were finding new life. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” caught the attention of a new generation. Its catchy rhythm and joyful spirit resonated with listeners, and the song began to climb the charts, surprising everyone, including Brenda herself. By the 1980s, it had become a holiday staple, played on repeat in stores and homes across America. Brenda was thrilled; a song that had once felt like a disappointment had finally found its place in the spotlight.

For Brenda, this resurgence was not just about the success of the song—it represented resilience. After two long decades, she saw how passion and perseverance could pay off. The re-discovery of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” became a symbol of hope, reminding her that dreams don’t always come true in the timeline we expect. With every note of her beloved Christmas song, Brenda felt a warm sense of gratitude wash over her, knowing that her music had finally wrapped itself around the spirit of the season.

As she performed the song every holiday season, Brenda looked out at the smiling faces of her fans and couldn’t help but reflect on her journey. It was an incredible feeling to know that her voice had become part of so many cherished memories. Each performance brought her joy, and she found strength in the fact that music has an extraordinary way of touching lives, no matter how long it takes. She became a beacon of inspiration for young artists everywhere, proving that with heart and dedication, anything is possible.

Today, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a reminder that sometimes dreams take time to bloom. Brenda Lee’s story teaches us to stay hopeful and to keep sharing our passions, even if we don’t see immediate results. After all, the magic of music can transcend time, and who knows when it might finally find its way into the hearts of those who need it most?