Mariah Carey Salutes Brenda Lee’s Hitting No. 1 With ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’

Bruce Haring

7 December 2023 at 8:20 pm·1-min read

Several singers and songwriters have tried to claim the title of “Queen of Christmas” over the years. Depending on your age, you probably have a favorite, ranging from Darlene Love to Dolly Parton.

But Mariah Carey, who tried unsuccessfully to trademark the title (which would have allowed such branding on items ranging from fragrance to dog toys), seems to have given her blessing to Brenda Lee this week.

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Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You has become ubiquitous since its 1994 launch. But she seems willing to share the spotlight with a predecessor.

She sent flowers after Lee this week topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts with her holiday hit, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, some 65 years after it was recorded. Lee was just 13 when she recorded the boppy tune. Although it has been on the charts, it never hit No. 1 until this year.

The 78-year-old Lee shared Carey’s gesture on Instagram today, showing off a bouquet with a handwritten note from Mariah wishing her a Merry Christmas and congratulations on her “historic #1.” Lee termed it “a sweet note” and extended her own wishes for a happy holiday.

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