Brenda Lee rewrites the history books

[ChrisWL1980]

"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," recorded in 1958 when Brenda Lee was 13 (she's now about to turn 79), has reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, her first #1 hit since "I Want to Be Wanted" 63 years ago. The first time it charted (in 1960), it peaked at #14. It's recharted and climbed as high as #2 in recent years. The last time Brenda Lee reached the Top 10 with a song that wasn't "Rockin'" was 60 years ago, with "Losing You" in 1963.
In addition to being only the third Christmas single to reach #1 in the 65-year history of the Hot 100, it broke a chart record established by the second ("All I Want for Christmas Is You"), for longest period of time between a song's initial release and its first week at #1. Mariah's immense ego must be a little bit bruised tonight.

[matt1]

The song "Coming On Strong" went to # 11 (Hot 100) in late 1966. The song "Johnny One Time" missed the Top 40 in 1969 peaking at # 41. Brenda's version of "The Crying Game" from 1965 ("Thanks A Lot" was the flip 45 single) was way better than Boy George 1992 remake!!

[radioandtventhusiast]

She's also the oldest artist to chart in Billboard history.

[Bobbert]

The song "Coming On Strong" went to # 11 (Hot 100) in late 1966. The song "Johnny One Time" missed the Top 40 in 1969 peaking at # 41. Brenda's version of "The Crying Game" from 1965 ("Thanks A Lot" was the flip 45 single) was way better than Boy George 1992 remake!!

That's great news about Brenda Lee's accomplishment, especially with all the much lesser music that gets played this season.

On a side note, "Coming On Strong" was immortalized in Golden Earring's "Radar Love":

The radio's playin' some forgotten song
Brenda Lee's "Coming On Strong"

[Musicrewired]

Congratulations to Brenda for getting to the top. I’d like to see some other classic artists get a shot at #1 as well, but it’s still great to see them in the top 40.