Ma Rainey
American blues singer (1886-1939)
Brenda Lee, also known as the “Little Miss Dynamite,” is an acclaimed American singer who rose to fame as a child in the 1950s. She’s known for her versatile musical style, which includes rockabilly, pop, country, and Christmas songs. With over 100 million records sold globally, Lee is considered one of the most successful artists of the 20th century, earning recognition as Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the Decade in the 1960s.
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About the Brenda Lee
Brenda Mae Tarpley (born December 11, 1944), known professionally as Brenda Lee, is an American singer. Primarily performing rockabilly, pop, country and Christmas music, she achieved her first Billboard hit aged 12 in 1957 and was given the nickname “Little Miss Dynamite”. Some of Lee’s most successful songs include “Sweet Nothin’s”, “I’m Sorry”, “I Want to Be Wanted”, “Speak to Me Pretty”, “All Alone Am I” and “Losing You”. Her festive song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, recorded in 1958, topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, making Lee the oldest artist ever to top the chart and breaking several chart records.
Having sold over 100 million records globally, Lee is one of the most successful American artists of the 20th century. Her U.S. success in the 1960s earned her recognition as Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the Decade and one of the four artists who charted the most singles, behind Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Ray Charles. Her accolades include a Grammy Award, four NARM Awards, three NME Awards and five Edison Awards. She is the first woman to be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2023, she was named by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brenda Lee was born on December 11, 1944.
Brenda Lee primarily performed rockabilly, pop, country, and Christmas music.
Brenda Lee achieved her first Billboard hit at the age of 12 in 1957.
Brenda Lee was given the nickname ‘Little Miss Dynamite’.
Some of Brenda Lee’s most successful songs include ‘Sweet Nothin’s’, ‘I’m Sorry’, ‘I Want to Be Wanted’, ‘Speak to Me Pretty’, ‘All Alone Am I’ and ‘Losing You’.
Brenda Lee’s festive song ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, recorded in 1958, topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, making her the oldest artist ever to top the chart and breaking several chart records.
Brenda Lee has sold over 100 million records globally, making her one of the most successful American artists of the 20th century.
16 Quotes by Brenda Lee
- 1.
I’ve spent an awful lot of my time in the air. I’ve had everything happen to me in a plane that could happen. Except a crash.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 2.
I gave up my childhood for a career.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 3.
The music business can be very cold. And it doesn’t honor its elders.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 4.
I believe I became one of the first singers to be launched via television exposure. I guess I was a new kind of musical stylist for a new kind of media.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 5.
I only wish Chet Atkins could be here for this joyous occasion.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 6.
I’m not used to introspection. I’ve never lingered on my feelings. The show must go on.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 7.
A lot of people thought I’d died, because of your coverage, they know I’m still around.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 8.
The amazing thing is that I’m sane. I’m not bitter. I’m not drugged out. I’m not broke. I’m still married to the same guy. My children don’t hate me.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 9.
The Beatles were raw musically, but I think they really had something.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 10.
I still don’t look at myself as a star. I’ve always had a thankful heart.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 11.
I still sing because I love the sound of applause, because it’s who I am, and because I still can.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 12.
John Lennon was very irreverent and very intelligent.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 13.
I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but I was a big favorite with the Mafia.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 14.
I was nuts about Elvis, like every girl in America.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 15.
I always felt that I was one of the women who helped lay the foundation for rock and roll. But I’d always been overlooked by the Hall of Fame.
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist
- 16.
Whatever happened to the tomboy I used to be, the slightly rebellious rocker?
Brenda LeeAmerican singer and recording artist