Brenda Lee may not be as widely recognized as some of her contemporaries from the 1960s, but her music has become a timeless treasure, especially during the holiday season. Her catchy tune, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” is synonymous with Christmas, evoking memories of festive celebrations and joyful gatherings.
A Star is Born
At 78 years old, Lee’s journey in the music industry began when she was just a young girl. By the age of 12, her powerful voice had catapulted her to international fame, making her the most successful female artist of the 1960s. Born Brenda May Tarpley in 1944, she embarked on her musical career in the late 1940s, quickly becoming a sensation in the 1950s. Remarkably, her rise to stardom occurred before she even graduated from elementary school. Lee topped the charts an incredible 55 times, solidifying her status as the most successful female recording artist of that decade.
Overcoming Adversity
Lee’s path to success was not without challenges. Tragically, when she was just eight years old, her father, a construction worker, passed away. This left young Brenda as the primary provider for her family, which included a younger brother and a big sister, while her mother worked in a cotton mill. Despite the heavy burden, helping her family was not merely a duty; it was something she was passionate about. Lee recalls the joy of earning her first $20, understanding that it contributed to their livelihood. “Even at that young age, I saw that it helped our life,” she reflects. “It put some food on the table. It helped, and I loved it.”
Humility and Gratitude
Despite her immense success, Lee remains humble and attributes her achievements to the people who supported her throughout her career. When asked about her legendary status, she dismisses the notion, saying, “I’m just a girl who’s been really blessed to be doing what I’m doing, and there are a lot of people who’ve sweated a lot of tears and put a lot of life’s work into me to be able to have my dream. So, if I’m a legend, then they’re legends too.”
The Early Years of Music
Lee’s musical journey took off when she joined country star Red Foley for a show in Augusta as a young girl, stunning the audience with her rendition of Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya.” This performance led to her appearance on Foley’s Ozark Jubilee, a country music show that showcased her talent to millions. Shortly thereafter, she signed with Decca Records, where her unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, marked by her distinctive hiccupping vocals, resulted in early rockabilly classics like “Bigelow 6-200,” “Little Jonah,” and “Let’s Jump the Broomstick.”
Performing in front of large crowds never intimidated Lee. “No, not really,” she says. “Nobody ever told me to be nervous. The stage always felt like hometown to me because I had been in front of people ever since I was 3 years old, singing to people. So it was a very comfortable spot for me.” In 1957, she earned the nickname “Little Miss Dynamite” for her powerful recording of the song “Dynamite,” and in 1958, at just 13 years old, she released the now-classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Life Challenges and Personal Triumphs
Although Lee’s songs often spoke of love and heartbreak, her personal life was more complicated. Her mother did not allow her to date, but she sang about romance in hits like “I’m Sorry” and “I Want to be Wanted.” At 18, she met Ronnie Shacklett, and they have been happily married for over 60 years.
Life on the road brought its own set of challenges for Lee, including loneliness and the feeling of missing out on typical childhood experiences. However, she formed lifelong friendships along the way, fondly recalling moments spent with John Lennon, dancing with Elvis Presley, and forming a bond with Little Richard.
Faith and Continued Influence
Lee attributes much of her personal and professional success to her faith and the support of her husband. Married in 1962, she believes God brought them together. Lee remains active in the music industry through her participation in Sunday Mornin’ Country, a faith-based event associated with CMA Fest that has thrived for over 40 years. She has also inspired many young artists, including Taylor Swift, who wrote about Lee’s influence in the book Women Walk the Line: How The Women In Country Music Changed Our Lives.
Brenda Lee’s Lasting Legacy
Even in retirement, Brenda Lee’s music continues to resonate with fans around the globe, especially during the holiday season. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” has become a holiday staple, and its popularity only grows each year. Lee expresses gratitude for the gift of music and the joy it brings to people’s lives.
It’s incredible to think that decades later, Brenda Lee’s music still evokes happiness and fond memories for her fans. As “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” continues to be a beloved favorite, it serves as a reminder of the joyful celebrations that define the holiday spirit.
