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Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” | |
|---|---|
| Single by Brenda Lee | |
| from the album Merry Christmas from Brenda Lee | |
| B-side | “Papa Noël” |
| Released | November 24, 1958 (US), December 1962 (UK) |
| Recorded | October 19, 1958 |
| Genre | Rockabilly Christmas |
| Length | 2:02 |
| Label | Decca 9-30776 |
| Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marks |
| Producer(s) | Owen Bradley |
| Brenda Lee singles chronology | |
| “Rock-a-Bye Baby Blues” (1957)”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree“ (1958)”I Want to Be Wanted (Per Tutta La Vita)” (1960) |
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a Christmas song written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Brenda Lee in 1958; it has since been recorded by numerous other music artists. By the song’s 50th anniversary in 2008, Lee’s original version had sold over 25 million copies around the world with the 4th most digital downloads sold of any Christmas single.
Original recording by Brenda Lee
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was written by Johnny Marks, who had previously penned “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas“. In spite of her adult voice, Lee recorded the song when she was only 13 years old. In a 2019 interview with The Tennessean, Lee recalled that she had no knowledge as to why Marks wanted her specifically to sing it: “I was only 12 [sic], and I had not had a lot of success in records, but for some reason he heard me and wanted me to do it. And I did.”
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a rockabilly song. The recording features Hank Garland and Harold Bradley on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, Boots Randolph on sax, Bob Moore on bass, and veteran session player Buddy Harman on drums. The song is written in the key of A-flat major.
An instrumental version of the song appears as background music in the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which exclusively featured music written by Marks. It can be heard in the scene where Rudolph first arrives at the Reindeer Games and meets another reindeer named Fireball. A fully sung version of the song would later appear in Rankin/Bass’s 1979 sequel Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July. The song was also used in the 1990 film Home Alone during a scene when Kevin McCallister pretends that there is a holiday party taking place in his house, and discourages the burglars from robbing it. The song was also featured in The Christmas Special episode of Regular Show in 2012. The song was also used in D-TV set to the Disney cartoons, Pluto’s Christmas Tree and Mickey’s Christmas Carol.
Chart performance and sales
Although Decca released the single in both 1958 and again in 1959, it did not sell well until Lee became a popular star in 1960. That Christmas holiday season, Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” placed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time, eventually peaking at No. 14. It continued to sell well during subsequent holiday seasons, peaking as high as No. 3 on Billboard‘s Christmas Singles chart in December 1965. Lee said, “It was magic, and I think we all knew it. It took a few years to take off, but once it did, it really did.”
Lee’s 1958 recording still receives a great deal of airplay, as radio station formats ranging from top 40 to adult contemporary to country music to oldies to even adult standards have played this version. It has since turned into a perennial holiday favorite, and due to rule changes in 2014 has returned annually to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching an all-time chart peak of No. 2 during the 2019 holiday season.
| Year | Chart debut/re-entry date | Peak chart position | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | December 12 | 14 | |
| 1961 | December 11 | 50 | |
| 1962 | December 15 | 59 | |
| 2014 | January 4 | 50 | |
| 2015 | December 26 | 30 | |
| 2016 | December 24 | 27 | |
| 2017 | December 23 | 30 | |
| 2018 | December 8 | 9 | |
| 2019 | December 7 | 2 | |
| 2020 | November 28 | 2 | |
| 2021 | December 4 | 2 | |
| 2022 | November 26 | 2 |
The song reached over one million in digital downloads by 2016 according to Nielsen SoundScan, making it fifth on the list of all-time best-selling Christmas/holiday digital singles in SoundScan history. It has sold 1,170,000 copies in the United States as of December 2019.
On the official UK Singles Chart, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” peaked at No. 6 when it was released in the United Kingdom in 1962. In 2013, due to downloads, it became one of a number of songs to re-enter the UK Singles Chart near Christmastime each holiday season. The single peaked at No. 63 on Sunday, December 15, 2013. Then in 2017, it reached No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart, its highest chart position since 1963. On the week ending January 6, 2022, the song reached No. 5, peaking one place higher than its original release 60 years prior.
Charts
Weekly charts
| Chart (1958–2022) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 8 |
| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) | 4 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 2 |
| Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100) | 5 |
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 33 |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) | 11 |
| France (SNEP) | 55 |
| Germany (Official German Charts) | 4 |
| Global 200 (Billboard) | 4 |
| Greece (IFPI) | 2 |
| Hungary (Single Top 40) | 12 |
| Hungary (Stream Top 40) | 3 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 4 |
| Italy (FIMI) | 25 |
| Latvia (LAIPA) | 2 |
| Lithuania (AGATA) | 1 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 7 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 2 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 10 |
| Portugal (AFP) | 8 |
| Scotland (OCC) | 46 |
| Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) | 3 |
| South Africa (RISA) | 47 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE) | 77 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 5 |
| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade) | 4 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 5 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 2 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) | 16 |
| US Holiday 100 (Billboard) | 2 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) | 62 |
| US Rolling Stone Top 100 | 2 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2020) | Position |
|---|---|
| Hungary (Stream Top 40) | 77 |
| Chart (2021) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 98 |
| Global 200 (Billboard) | 169 |
| Hungary (Stream Top 40) | 89 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 92 |
| Chart (2022) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 98 |
| Global 200 (Billboard) | 155 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 80 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark) | Gold | 45,000 |
| Italy (FIMI) | Gold | 25,000 |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | Platinum | 20,000 |
| Portugal (AFP) | Gold | 5,000 |
| Spain (PROMUSICAE) | Gold | 25,000 |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | 2× Platinum | 1,200,000 |
| Streaming | ||
| Greece (IFPI Greece) | Gold | 1,000,000 |
| Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. Streaming-only figures based on certification alone. |
Track listing
Side A
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Johnny Marks) – 2:02
Side B
- “Papa Noël” (Roy Botkin) – 2:25
Personnel
- Brenda Lee – lead vocals
- Hank Garland – guitar
- Harold Bradley – guitar
- Floyd Cramer – piano
- Bob Moore – bass
- Buddy Harman – drums
- Homer “Boots” Randolph – sax
- Anita Kerr Singers – background vocals
Kim Wilde and Mel Smith version
| “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” | |
|---|---|
| |
| Single by Comic Relief presents Mel & Kim | |
| B-side | “Deck the Blooming Halls” |
| Released | November 23, 1987 |
| Genre | Christmas, Comedy |
| Length | 3:38 |
| Label | Ten |
| Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marks |
| Producer(s) | Stuart Colman |
| Kim Wilde singles chronology | |
| “Say You Really Want Me“ (1987)”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree“ (1987)”Hey Mister Heartache“ (1988) |
A version of the song by Kim Wilde and Mel Smith (credited as “Mel & Kim” as a parody of then-popular sister act Mel and Kim), featuring Pete Thomas, reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart during the Christmas season 1987. The track was recorded to raise funds for Comic Relief. Its accompanying video featured the two hosting a Christmas party with guests including The Mekon and an appearance from Smith’s comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones, carol singers played by the band Curiosity Killed the Cat and Spitting Image puppets of Bette Midler and Tina Turner.
Charts
| Chart (1987–2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Denmark (Tracklisten) | 16 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 4 |
| Norway (VG-lista) | 9 |
| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) | 20 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 3 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Silver | 250,000^ |
| ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Hannah Montana version
| “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” | |
|---|---|
| Single by Hannah Montana | |
| from the album Hannah Montana | |
| Released | November 6, 2007 |
| Length | 2:12 |
| Label | Walt Disney Records |
| Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marks |
| Hannah Montana singles chronology | |
| “Make Some Noise“ (2007)”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree“ (2007)”If We Were a Movie“ (2007) |
American singer and songwriter Miley Cyrus under Hannah Montana name, released a cover version of the song as a single on November 6, 2007. She performed the song at Disney’s 2006 Disney World Orlando Parade, as the song was first released as a track on the Holiday Edition of the album in 2006.
Kacey Musgraves and Camila Cabello version
| “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” | |
|---|---|
| Song by Kacey Musgraves featuring Camila Cabello | |
| from the album The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show | |
| Released | November 28, 2019 |
| Genre | Country |
| Length | 2:04 |
| Label | MCA Nashville |
| Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marks |
| Producer(s) | Ben WinstonEmma ConwayFulwell 73 ProductionsJason OwenKacey MusgravesKyle Ryan |
American country singer Kacey Musgraves released a cover version of the song featuring Cuban-born American pop singer Camila Cabello as a track on her soundtrack album The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show on November 28, 2019.
Personnel
- Kacey Musgraves – lead vocals
- Camila Cabello – featured artist, vocals
- Adam Keafer – bass
- Brett Resnick – pedal steel
- Kai Welch – moog bass, organ
- Kyle Ryan – background vocals, bells, electric guitar, mellotron, recording engineering, tambourine
- Nat Smith – mellotron
- Scott Quintana – bells, drums, percussion
- Timothy McKay – baritone saxophone
- Gena Johnson – production coordinating, recording engineering
- Mike Abbott – recording engineering
- Leslie Ritcher – studio personnel
- Chip Matthews – studio personnel
- Darrell Thorp – studio personnel
- David Ives – studio personnel
Charts
| Chart (2020) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard) | 13 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) | 20 |
| US Holiday 100 (Billboard) | 97 |
Justin Bieber version
| “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” | |
|---|---|
| |
| Single by Justin Bieber | |
| Released | November 12, 2020 (promotional release) October 29, 2021 (official release) |
| Length | 2:12 |
| Label | Def Jam Recordings |
| Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marks |
| Justin Bieber singles chronology | |
| “Ghost“ (2021)”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree“ (2021)”Lonely Christmas“ (2021) | |
| Alternative cover | |
| Cover art for the promotional single release |
Canadian singer Justin Bieber released a cover version of the song as a promotional single on November 12, 2020, exclusively on Amazon Music. On October 29, 2021, the song was released on streaming platforms worldwide as an official single.
Background
Talking about the cover, Bieber said: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has always been one of my favourite songs to celebrate the holidays and I’m excited to team up with Amazon Music to share my own version, with my fans. I’m so thankful to be able to spend the season with loved ones, and to also use this opportunity to give back to LIFT, Inner-City Arts and Alexandria House: three incredible organizations that I’ve supported in the past. I hope my fans join me in reaching out to the communities and organizations they care about, to help spread joy to those who need it most.”
Charts
| Chart (2020–2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada AC (Billboard) | 33 |
| Global 200 (Billboard) | 66 |
| Italy (FIMI) | 36 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 4 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 61 |
| US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) | 14 |
| US Holiday 100 (Billboard) | 40 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Silver | 200,000 |
| Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Other recordings
Many artists have recorded the song. The most prominent are:
- 1999 • Alabama, for their album Christmas Vol. II (this cover version peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.)
- 2004 • LeAnn Rimes, for her album What a Wonderful World (this cover version peaked at No. 3 on Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, No. 48 on Billboard Country Singles chart, and No. 30 on Billboard‘s Holiday Songs chart.)
- 2021 • Meghan Trainor, for her album A Very Trainor Christmas
- 2023 • Ann-Margret covered the song on her album, Born to Be Wild.
- Old Guitar Monkey – Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree
- Cliff Richard – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- Pentatonix – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- First to Eleven – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Feat. The Ladybugs
- Kelly Clarkson – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree | Roxie Węgiel x Dawid Kwiatkowski
- Lea Michele – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
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