5 Things About “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” You May Want To Know [Video]

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE By Brenda Lee

And, 5 things you may want to know about the little holiday ditty.

COMPOSER

The great Johnny Marks, who passed away in 1985. All my professional life from 1966 to his death, Johnny would call radio stations and urge them to play his Christmas songs. After his passing he'd set aside funds for an independent record promoter I knew to continue the calls. He also wrote A Holly Jolly Christmas, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Run, Rudolph, Run.

BEST VERSION

Got to be the original by Little Miss Dynamite of Song, Brenda Lee! Brenda was just 13, and already a Top 40 star, when she knocked Rockin' out of the park. Hank Garland on guitar, Boots Randolph on sax.  Here's a video with lyrics.

OTHER RENDITIONS

Mickey Gilley did a country-swing version, Alvin and the Chipmunks did it in a squeaky parody. For doo-wop fans, Ronnie Spector and Darlene Love killed it. You can check Wikipedia for a complete listing.

TV AND MOVIES

Brenda Lee's version is featured prominently in "Home Alone".  The Simpsons called it "Jazzin'" round the Christmas Tree.

AIRPLAY

It is the #2 most played Christmas song on country radio.