8

In sticking with my holiday-themed photos, I added a festive frame to the not so festive boxelder tree that snapped during yesterday’s snowstorm • I know you’re all wondering so wonder no more. Here’s #8 on our Christmas Song Countdown: Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree by Johnny Marks, 1958 • Marks knew exactly who he wanted to sing his rockabilly tune and approached the 12 year old country music star known as Little Dynamite, Brenda Lee. She was 13 when she recorded the song • The song didn’t do well in 1958 or ‘59 but when Lee hit #1 with “I’m Sorry” the song jumped to #14 in 1960 • In 1990 the song was included in the film Home Alone causing a surge in popularity. On its 50th Anniversary in 2008, the song sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and has the 4th most digital downloads of Christmas singles • In 2018 it climbed into the Top 10, and from 2019 to 2021 it sat at #2, only behind Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” • Why has it gained in popularity? Some theorize that the phrase pumpkin pie sounds like f-ing pie, making it more appealing to the younger set • Brenda Lee is now 78 years old, still earning royalties, and is perfectly content being #2 • Peace & Love