Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Let the Christmas Spirit Ring: Brenda Lee & Philip Nation
Description
This week, we welcome a music legend whose voice has become synonymous with the sounds of the season. At just twelve years old, Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” She shares memories of recording in Nashville alongside country greats, her deep respect for the team behind every hit, and the enduring value of kindness in a competitive industry.
Later in the episode, we’ll hear from pastor, author, and publisher Philip Nation, who has dedicated his career to making Scripture accessible to readers everywhere. Philip opens up about his desire to know and understand God’s Word more fully.
Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:
Past interview: Lisa Harper
Upcoming interview: Ben Higgins
Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree book
Interview Quotes:
“It was a team effort, so if I had a hit, so did they, all those wonderful people. And we just had a ball.” - Brenda Lee
“I try to tell the new artists that are coming up, ‘You don’t do this by yourself. You may be the greatest singer that ever walked the earth, but if you don’t conform and listen, you’ll still be a great singer, but nobody will know.’” - Brenda Lee
“If you don’t make it on your voice, you’ll make it on your kindness. Goodness always wins out.” - Brenda Lee
“I think that walking alongside other people in celebrations and in painful times, and constantly looking to the Scripture to inform, guide, and help you make decisions, to find hope when times are dark, and to be able to magnify your joys when you’re celebrating—to do that together is the very nature of what we see God unfolding in the Bible.” - Philip Nation