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American Masters

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
Watch • 1:00:13
American Masters
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Special: 1:00:13
Watch • 52:55
American Masters
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Special: 52:55
Watch • 3:31
American Masters
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around (EAD + OC Trailer)
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Preview: S38 E6 | 3:31
Watch • 2:56
American Masters
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around (ASL Trailer)
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Preview: S38 E6 | 2:56
Watch • 7:16
American Masters
3 classic songs Brenda Lee performed as a teenager
These are 3 of Brenda's Lee most notable performances from Jubilee USA, also known as Ozark Jubilee.
Clip: S38 E6 | 7:16
Watch • 2:26
American Masters
theRing: I Am A Renegade [Official Music Video]
Official music video for "I Am A Renegade" by theRing, the theme song for "Renegades."
Clip: 2:26
Watch • 2:35
American Masters
When Brenda Lee eloped with her husband
Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.
Clip: S38 E6 | 2:35
Watch • 2:21
American Masters
How Brenda Lee's collaboration with producer Owen Bradley changed the course of her career
Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.
Clip: S38 E6 | 2:21
Watch • 2:30
American Masters
Brenda Lee had a fully formed career before even signing a contract
Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.
Clip: S38 E6 | 2:30
Watch • 2:36
American Masters
Brenda Lee's career started when she was just 8 years old
Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.
Clip: S38 E6 | 2:36