Brenda Lee might not be as universally recognized as some of her contemporaries from the 1960s, but her music has an enduring legacy, especially during the holiday season. Her iconic song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains a festive favorite, instantly recognizable and endlessly hummable.
A Star is Born
Brenda Lee, born Brenda May Tarpley in 1944, burst onto the music scene as a child prodigy. By the age of 12, her powerful voice had already made her a global sensation. Throughout the 1960s, she topped the charts 55 times, earning her the title of the most successful female artist of that decade.
Early Life and Career
Brenda’s journey to fame began in the late 1940s. Despite her tender age, she became the main breadwinner for her family after her father, a construction worker, tragically passed away when she was only eight. Her mother worked in a cotton mill, and young Brenda took on the responsibility of supporting her family, which included her younger brother and older sister.
Brenda’s drive to help her family wasn’t just out of necessity but also a heartfelt desire. She fondly remembers earning her first $20 and the joy it brought, knowing it would help provide for her loved ones. “Even at that young age, I saw that it helped our life. It put some food on the table. It helped, and I loved it,” she recalls with gratitude.
Humble and Grateful
Despite her remarkable success, Brenda remains humble. She attributes her achievements to the support of many people who believed in her. When asked about her legendary status, she modestly responds, “I’m just a girl who’s been really blessed to be doing what I’m doing, and there’s 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 Road to Stardom
Brenda’s musical career took off when she joined country star Red Foley for a performance in Augusta, singing Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya.” Her talent shone brightly, leading to her appearance on Foley’s Ozark Jubilee, a country music show that introduced her to millions. Her unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, combined with her distinctive hiccupping vocals, produced early rockabilly hits like “BIGELOW 6-200,” “Little Jonah,” and “Let’s Jump the Broomstick.”
Performing never fazed Brenda. “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,” she explains.
In 1957, her dynamic recording of “Dynamite” earned her the nickname “Little Miss Dynamite.” The following year, at just 13, she released “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” a song that has since become a timeless holiday classic.
Personal Life and Triumphs
Despite her youth, Brenda often sang about themes beyond her years, like love and heartbreak, in songs like “I’m Sorry” and “I Want to be Wanted.” While her mother didn’t allow her to date during her teenage years, Brenda eventually met Ronnie Shacklett at 18. The couple has been happily married for 60 years, a testament to her personal happiness and stability despite her early fame and the challenges she faced.
Brenda Lee’s life and career are a testament to her talent, resilience, and the support of those around her. Her music continues to bring joy to countless fans, especially during the holiday season, ensuring her legacy endures for generations to come.
