Hot on the heels of landing on the top of the Billboard Charts for the first time, Brenda Lee has teamed up with Vevo for a behind the scenes Footnotes episode breaking down the holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
The new video for the track features cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. In the Footnotes, Lee explains, “I recorded ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at the age of 13, and it laid around and didn’t do anything. Then one day someone called me and said, ‘Hey Brenda, have you seen that movie Home Alone? Your song is all over it.’ I was so excited!”
Regarding the new visual, Lee says, “I am very proud to tell you this is my very first music video. We wanted to make sure the video was timeless, and had that special Christmas feeling of just being home with your family.” Brenda also reflected on the special cameos, explaining, “Trisha Yearwood and Tanya Tucker are my buds. We’re always up for anything we ask each other. Their tenure in the industry speaks for itself, so I thought it would be cool to have them on it. I was very honored that they saw fit to do it.”
Brenda also revealed details of the music video shoot, saying, “I was mouthing the song lyrics during my part, and the director said ‘Brenda, try not to sing. Just dance.’ I just cracked up — that was the first time I was ever told that! Then he asked for a spin and I said ‘Are you kidding???’ But then I did it — not bad for 78, huh?”
The famed country star also discussed the origins of the song, explaining, “Johnny Marks wrote the song. He also wrote ‘Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer,’ and ‘Run Run Rudolph,’ and ‘Holly Jolly Christmas.’”
Brenda Lee has been enjoying all the love “Rockin’” has been getting since it reemerged as a chart-topper. Last night, on December 7, she brought the classic song to NBC’s Christmas At The Opry. At the end, she was joined by Wynonna Judd, Chrissy Metz, Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, and more.
Buy or stream A Rockin’ Christmas with Brenda Lee.