Her greatest success was yet to come: In 2023, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, 65 years after its initial release.

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"— sung by Brenda Lee, and first released 65 years ago, during the Eisenhower administration — has gone to No. 1 on the singles chart, for the first time ever.

Brenda Lee attends the CMA Awards at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8. Her holiday hit "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, 65 years after its debut.

While “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” sold well throughout the ‘50s and early ‘60s, it wasn’t until 1990 that the song achieved its current standing as a cross-generational anthem.

The illuminated Christmas tree is reflected in puddles in Trafalgar Square, central London. AFP via Getty Images. Dubbed the “World’s most famous Christmas tree,” this traditional gift from ...