Brenda Lee may not be as well-known as some of the other 1960s music artists, but her music endures and will always be connected with Christmas. You can’t help but start singing her catchy song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Lee, aged 78, rose to prominence in the music industry as a young girl
Even at the age of 12, her powerful vocals propelled her to unprecedented global fame, making her the most successful female musician of the 1960s.
Lee, who was born Brenda May Tarpley in 1944, began her career in the late 1940s and rose to prominence in the 1950s. But Lee’s path to prominence was not easy.
Despite her amazing success, Lee remains humble and grateful to everyone who helped her along the way.
The Early Years
Lee’s career in music began when she joined country legend Red Foley for a gig in Augusta when she was a young girl. She captivated the audience with her performance of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya.”
Even as a little girl, Lee never felt nervous about performing in front of large audiences.
Lee was given the nickname “Little Miss Dynamite” in 1957 after her forceful singing of the song “Dynamite.” In 1958, at the age of 13, she recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which has become a genre and generation-spanning holiday classic.
Life Challenges and Personal Triumphs
Despite her youth, Lee’s songs frequently contradicted her own early childhood experiences. However, when she was 18, she met Ronnie Shacklett, with whom she has been happily married for 60 years.
She married her husband in 1962, and she believes God provided for her and brought them together.
Lee also continues to give back to the music industry by participating in Sunday Mornin’ Country, a faith-based collaborative event with CMA Fest that has been going on for over 40 years. She has also been a role model for many rising singers, such as Taylor Swift, who wrote a profoundly personal essay about Lee’s effect in the book “Women Walk the Line, How The Women In Country Music Changed Our Lives.”
Brenda Lee’s Legacy
Brenda Lee’s music is still adored and cherished by admirers all over the world, particularly around the holiday season.
It’s remarkable to think that decades later, Brenda Lee’s music continues to bring joy to her followers. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains a favorite, conjuring memories of wonderful holiday parties.
