Brenda Lee has had a robust music career, beginning as a rockabilly teen, moving into pop stardom, and eventually returning to her country roots. Born in the charity ward of Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital, Brenda was singing by the time she could talk. At age two, she could hear a song once then whistle the tune and sing the lyrics perfectly. In 1953, when her father died unexpectedly, Brenda’s singing became a necessity for the family.
One of the female founders of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Brenda Lee is a national treasure, living legend and true American phenomenon. She has sold more than 100 million albums, is a member of the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Rockabilly Halls of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Lee is the first woman to be inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame. She had 47 U.S. chart hits during the 1960s and is ranked fourth in that decade, surpassed only by Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Ray Charles. She is known for her 1960 hit “I’m Sorry” and 1958’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which has become a Christmas standard.
This timeline explores Brenda Lee’s life and the major milestones in her career.
Brenda Mae Tarpley is born in Atlanta, Georgia to Annie Grayce and Ruben Lindsey Tarpley. Brenda’s family moves to Conyers, Georgia to live on a tenant farm. She begins her singing career this year at the age of five, when she wins her school’s talent show contest, singing Pee Wee King’s “Slow Poke” and Nat King Cole’s “Too Young.”
In 1952, Brenda starts her performing career
with the (Radio) Wranglers at the Sports arena in Atlanta. She later makes her television debut on a local program called “TV Ranch,” singing Hank Williams’s “Hey, Good Lookin’” at seven years old. On May 23, Brenda’s father dies after a fatal workplace incident. Brenda begins singing to earn money for her family. She makes $35 for her first paying gig performing for a civic group in Swainsboro, Georgia. On March 29, Brenda makes her network debut on “Ozark Jubilee” in Springfield, Missouri singing “Jambalaya.”
On May 21, Brenda’s mother Annie Grayce signs with Decca Records on behalf of Brenda.
On July 30, Brenda takes part in her first recording session of “Jambalaya” and meets her longtime collaborator Owen Bradley for the first time. Brenda releases her debut single "One Step at a Time," marking the beginning of her successful recording career. The song charts at #15 on Country charts and #43 on Pop charts. Brenda and her family move to Nashville.
In December, she makes her Grand Ole Opry debut. Brenda releases her hit single “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” which becomes a holiday classic. Owen Bradley also becomes her sole producer. In February of 1959, Brenda starts on a European tour. Brenda writes her song “I’m Sorry,” which Owen Bradley hates due to its shortness in length and repetitiveness. However, the song becomes a huge hit, goes to #1 on the charts and bridges the gap between pop and country music. In October of 1962, Brenda meets her now husband Ronnie Shacklett. The pair elopes just six months later, and have been married since. They have two daughters, Julie Leann Shacklett and Jolie Lenee Shacklett. Brenda’s recording of “Johnny One Time” lands her her second Grammy nomination and becomes a massive hit on the adult contemporary charts. In July of 1979, Brenda records “Tell Me What it’s Like.” It makes the top 10 and earns her a Grammy nomination. Brenda Lee collaborates with producer Jerry Crutchfield on “Didn’t We Do it Good,” which becomes her first music video. Brenda is voted by National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for their Governors Award. Only four artists have ever received this award before Brenda. Brenda Lee is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 23. Brenda is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where she is introduced by Jewel and sings “Sweet Nothin’s.” Brenda is honored with the Grammy Trustees Award for her significant influence in the recording field. Brenda receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to music. Brenda Lee becomes the oldest woman to reach #1 on the Top 100 Billboard Charts with “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” The song also becomes the longest spanner of all time — It hit number one in 1960 and then again in 2023.
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