At 13, She Had a Hit Everyone Knew — Then She Devoted 60 Years to It

Brenda Lee’s remarkable story began with a voice far bigger than her small frame. As a young Southern girl, she stepped into a Nashville studio at just 13 years old and sang alongside the famed A-Team musicians. In that moment, she recorded what would become the timeless holiday classic Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree—without knowing it would echo for generations. Decades later, in December 2023, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making history as one of only a few holiday tracks to ever do so.

Looking back, Brenda Lee met the achievement with humility rather than triumph. She credited her success to faith, timing, and the people around her, reminding fans that the moment was bigger than one artist. The milestone felt less like a comeback and more like a quiet confirmation of how deeply her music had settled into the fabric of American culture.

Fame arrived early, but Lee’s personal life grounded her just as firmly. At 18, she married Ronnie Shacklett, beginning a partnership that would last decades. Together, they raised a family and navigated difficult moments, including the challenges of a premature birth. Reflecting on their long marriage, Lee often speaks with gratitude, calling her husband her greatest blessing.

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