American Masters Features “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Singer Brenda Lee

From “White Christmas” to “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” the same treasured classics carry us through the holiday season each year. You know every word by heart, but have you ever wondered about the lives and careers of the artists behind these timeless tunes? Meet Brenda Lee, the dynamic singer of the 1958 classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” in the latest American Masters documentary, Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around, premiering Monday, December 16, at 10pm on CET.

Brenda Lee made headlines last year when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time – 65 years after its release. At 79 years old, this achievement made her the oldest artist to reach number one in the chart’s history, but her career goes far beyond this record.

With popular radio hits like “Sweet Nothin’s” and “Break It to Me Gently,” Lee’s prolific artistry spans the rock, pop, country and rockabilly music genres and has been celebrated over the past six decades. Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around features archival footage and stills, performance clips and interviews with Lee herself to share her story, from living in poverty in rural Georgia to performing as the headlining act on stages across the world.

“Brenda Lee is one of the most versatile artists in music history and her influence on today’s

biggest acts is undeniable,” said Michael Kantor, Executive Producer of American Masters, in a press release. “Hearing about Brenda’s life from Brenda herself is really special.”

Before even signing her first contract, Lee was working as a professional singer and performing on television to support her family at just eight years old. She starred on Ozark Jubilee, a 1950s TV show, singing classic songs including “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” by legendary artist Patsy Cline, whom Lee would have a memorable friendship with years later. Lee’s talents on air caught the eyes of executives at Decca Records, where she signed her record deal in 1956.

Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around showcases how Lee’s determination and shining talents led her to greatest career highlights, including being the first woman inducted into both the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Her impact crosses genres, including pop, hip-hop, soul and R&B, and has influenced artists like Prince, Elton John and Taylor Swift – with the latter previously stating that Lee is “the singer who mastered the sound of heartbreak,” according to the press release.

“I’ve celebrated many legendary artists throughout my career, and I’m thrilled to continue this love for our music greats with Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around,” said Barbara Hall, the film’s producer and director, in the press release. “Brenda Lee has been shaking up the music industry for decades. And with the holidays coming up, it’s such a wonderful time to shine a light on her accomplishments, especially her iconic song ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.’”

Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/brenda-lee-rockin-around-wxcuaz/.

If you are a Passport member, you can watch the film now on the PBS App before the broadcast premiere: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/brenda-lee-rockin-around-un3oq6/.