Representative files bill to adopt an official holiday song in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Tennessee may get a state holiday song.

According to a news release from the office of Representative Jason Powell (D-Nashville), Wednesday, December 6, Powell filed to make Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” the official holiday song of Tennessee.

Read the full news release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(12/6/2023)

Rep. Powell Files Bill to Make Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” the Official Holiday Song of Tennessee

NASHVILLE–Representative Jason Powell (D-Nashville) today filed HB 1613 to make “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee the Official Holiday Song of Tennessee. Brenda Lee, the first woman inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame, was only 13 years old when she recorded the Christmas classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958. The song was written by Johnny Marks, recorded in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row at Quonset Hut Studio and produced by Owen Bradly.

Representative Jason Powell (D-Nasvhille), Courtesy of FB: Rep. Jason Powell

Lee’s holiday classic just topped the Billboard Hot 100 this week for the very first time, 65 years after its release—the longest stretch ever between a record release and hitting No 1. She is also now the oldest person ever to hit No. 1 on the chart. Lee, a longtime Nashvillian, is responsible for selling 100 million records worldwide.

Representative Jason Powell said, “Brenda Lee is a music icon and a true Tennessee treasure. Brenda Lee’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ has spread holiday joy throughout the world for decades and we are proud her number one song was made in Nashville. I am thrilled to introduce my legislation to make the beloved ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee the first official holiday song of Tennessee. I look forward to passing ‘Rockin’ around the Capitol Floor in 2024.”

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