Let’s be honest, when you hear “Brenda Lee,” you probably think “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” And fair enough. That song is a holiday staple, as ubiquitous as eggnog and awkward family gatherings. But PBS’s “American Masters” is betting you’ll be interested in more than just a festive singalong. Their upcoming Brenda Lee documentary, airing Monday, December 16, 2024, promises a look at the woman behind the microphone, a woman whose journey from poverty to pop icon is far more complicated than a three-minute Christmas carol.
Sure, the “American Masters” episode acknowledges “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — how could it not? — but it quickly moves beyond the tinsel and twinkling lights to explore Lee’s wider impact on music. This isn’t just a holiday special; it’s a 90-minute deep dive into a career spanning pop, rock ‘n’ roll, and even country, reminding us that Lee’s talent extended far beyond one iconic hit.
Don’t expect a sugar-coated nostalgia trip, either. While the documentary certainly celebrates Lee’s achievements, it also tackles the hardships she encountered, including a childhood marked by poverty. It’s a classic underdog story, sure, but “American Masters” seems interested in the grit and resilience it took to not just survive, but thrive in a notoriously cutthroat industry. And they’ve rounded up some impressive talking heads to help tell the story, with insights from the likes of Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, and Neil Giraldo, each adding their own perspective on Lee’s influence and artistry.
So, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial than spiked cider this holiday season, tune in to PBS on December 16. You might just discover there’s more to Brenda Lee than meets the ear, even if that ear is currently filled with the strains of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The woman, as they say, is a legend.
“American Masters: Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around” airs Monday, December 16, 2024, at 9/8c on PBS. Check local listings.
