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Brenda Lee attends the 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) Jason Kempin/Getty Images hide caption

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Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Brenda Lee attends the 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Brenda Lee was just 13 years old when she recorded "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" in 1958.

It's a true Christmas classic, a bouncy earworm - and pretty much everyone knows the lyrics.

But it's never made it to number one on Billboard's Hot 100 — until now.

NPR's Scott Detrow spoke with the 78-year-old about her long career and how she feels now that her iconic holiday tune is finally at the top of the charts.

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This episode was produced by Connor Donevan. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Sami Yenigun is our executive producer.

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