Ep. 238: A discussion on Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 23 December 2024

⏱️ 42 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this special holiday episode, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios discuss the classic 1958 single "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." They explore the song’s history, from its creation by songwriter Johnny Marks to Brenda Lee’s remarkable recording at just 13 years old. They dive into the song's rockabilly influences, its nostalgic holiday lyrics, and the standout saxophone solo that adds to its charm. They also reflect on the song’s enduring cultural impact, its resurgence in recent years, and the unique warmth of Lee’s voice, which has made this holiday favorite a lasting staple. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kit.
0:02.7	This episode is brought to you by B-streamwise.
0:05.6	As we get underway, the stakes couldn't be higher.
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0:22.8	When you watch illegal streams, you risk letting criminals into your laptop or phone, making it easy to steal from you.
0:29.1	Illegal streams let criminals in. BeStreamwise.com.
0:42.7	Hey everyone. happy holidays to each and every one of you.
0:48.8	For today's episode, Chris Fafalius and I break down the writing, release, and legacy of the classic Christmas song, rocking around the Christmas tree, written in 1958 by Johnny
0:54.0	Marks, and made famous with the
0:56.0	vocals of Brenda Lee, who unbeknownst to me was only 13 years old when she recorded it.
1:01.0	The band that played on the track were all world-class musicians in their own right.
1:05.0	Saxophonist Boots Randolph and pianist Floyd Kramer are legends, and producer Owen Bradley captured all the magic to tape.
1:13.6	The song has experienced a resurgence many times over the years, the most recent being in
1:18.6	2003, when a then 79-year-old Brenda Lee starred in a brand new video, lip-syncing to her 13-year-old self.
1:26.6	That video alone has amassed almost 25 million views on YouTube since its release.
1:32.6	Super cool.
	...

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