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Episode: Singer Brenda Lee on her Enduring Christmas Classic

Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Scott Detrow

Overview of the Episode

This episode dives into the enduring legacy of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Host Scott Detrow interviews Brenda Lee shortly after her signature 1958 holiday hit finally topped the charts, just before her 80th birthday. Lee reflects on the song’s sustained popularity, her experience as a young star, and moments from her storied career—including a brush with the Beatles. The conversation is warm, personal, and full of nostalgia, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at a Christmas classic and the woman behind it.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Perennial Success of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

• Chart Milestone and Reflections

  • Lee expresses disbelief and gratitude that her song finally hit No. 1 decades after its release.
  • She feels immense pride in the songwriter, Johnny Marks, and credits the song’s staying power.
  • Quote: “Lord, has it been good to me. I never thought that a Christmas song would be my signature song, but it is and I'm proud of it.”
    [04:08] – Brenda Lee

• Listener and Artist Experience

  • Scott describes the annual moment in November when hearing a Christmas song marks the start of the season, and asks Lee about her own experience hearing herself in public.
  • Brenda Lee still finds it “surreal” each year, despite how long the song has been around.
  • Quote: “It still feels pretty surreal. …you know what, it never gets old.”
    [04:57] – Brenda Lee

The Original Recording Session

• Unique Studio Setting
  • Lee recalls that the song was recorded in the summer, and producer Owen Bradley made the studio cold and put up a Christmas tree to create the holiday mood.
  • Only one rehearsal and one take were needed, thanks to the song’s natural fit for her voice.
  • Quote: “We recorded it, of course, in the summer and he had a Christmas tree up and we just had a great time doing it. …we did that one maybe in one rehearsal and one take.”
    [05:38] – Brenda Lee

Christmas Song Rivalries & Respect

• On Mariah Carey and Song Competition
  • Scott notes that Brenda has finally edged out Mariah Carey on the Christmas charts.
  • Lee has not spoken to Carey but is a fan; she’s happy to share the season’s spotlight, emphasizing there’s “room for all of us.”
  • Quote: “No, but I'd love to. I love Mariah. I'm a big fan. Her Christmas song is great. You know, there's room for all of us. And if it's good. It’s everything.”
    [06:35] – Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee’s Broader Career

• The Beatles Connection

  • Lee tells the popular anecdote about the Beatles once opening for her during her UK tours. She even advocated for her record company to sign them, but was ignored.
  • Quote: “That's exactly right. I used to work with the guys when I first started going to England… I took it to my record company and I said, I need you to hear these guys and I need you to sign them. Well, they turned them down. …next thing you know, it's all about the Beatles.”
    [07:39] – Brenda Lee

• Longevity and Life Lessons

  • Scott observes Lee’s longevity and fulfillment, noting the difficulties many young stars face.
  • Lee credits her groundedness to having never been told she was famous and finding contentment in the work itself—not needing to be number one.
  • Quote: “Nobody ever told me I was famous. …I didn't have to be number one to be happy. And I think when you can get to that place in life, in anything that you do, you're gonna be successful.”
    [08:50] – Brenda Lee

• Other Hits and Musical Gratitude

  • Lee mentions “I’m Sorry” as another favorite hit from her early years, expressing deep gratitude to songwriters, musicians, and the Anita Kerr singers who shaped her sound.
  • Quote: “Well, you need to include. I'm sorry… The early stuff. Cause that. That's really how I cut my teeth and learned what I. I appreciate the songwriters that brought them to me.”
    [09:28] – Brenda Lee

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Becoming Her Signature:

  • “Lord, has it been good to me. I never thought that a Christmas song would be my signature song, but it is and I'm proud of it.”
    [04:08] – Brenda Lee

• On Annual Surreal Experience:

  • “It still feels pretty surreal. …you know what, it never gets old.”
    [04:57] – Brenda Lee

• On Christmas Chart Rivals:

  • “There's room for all of us. And if it's good. It’s everything.”
    [06:35] – Brenda Lee

• On the Beatles and Rolling the Dice:

  • “I took it to my record company and said, I need you to hear these guys and I need you to sign them. Well, they turned them down. …next thing you know, it's all about the Beatles, so you just never know.”
    [07:39] – Brenda Lee

• On Surviving Early Fame:

  • “Nobody ever told me I was famous. …I didn't have to be number one to be happy.”
    [08:50] – Brenda Lee

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [04:08] – Brenda Lee reflects on her song finally reaching No. 1 and her relationship with songwriter Johnny Marks
• [05:38] – Behind-the-scenes of the original “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” recording session
• [06:35] – Thoughts on Mariah Carey, holiday competition, and sharing the Christmas limelight
• [07:39] – Brenda Lee’s memories of touring with the Beatles and advocating for them early in their career
• [08:50] – Lee’s approach to navigating fame and enjoying a long, successful life in music
• [09:28] – “I’m Sorry” and gratitude to collaborators

Conclusion: Sentimental Feelings and Holiday Wishes

The episode closes with Scott Detrow expressing his appreciation for the joy Lee’s music brings each holiday season:

“Well, Brenda Lee, I've got to say, I get a sentimental feeling every time I hear your song. And it was truly wonderful to talk to you. Thank you so much for joining us.”
([10:33] – Scott Detrow)

Brenda Lee responds with a simple, heartfelt wish:

“Thank you. Merry Christmas.”
([10:41] – Brenda Lee)

This episode offers a warm, engaging look at an enduring Christmas classic and the artist who brings the season to life for generations of listeners.