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Brenda Lee biography and career timeline

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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.

 

December 11, 1944

Brenda Mae Tarpley is born in Atlanta, Georgia to Annie Grayce and Ruben Lindsey Tarpley.

December 11, 1944
1951

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.”

1951
1952

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.

1952
1953

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.

1953
1956

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.

1956
1957

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.

1957
1958

Brenda releases her hit single “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” which becomes a holiday classic. Owen Bradley also becomes her sole producer.

1958
1959

In February of 1959, Brenda starts on a European tour.

1959
1960

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.

1960
1962

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.

1962
1969

Brenda’s recording of “Johnny One Time” lands her her second Grammy nomination and becomes a massive hit on the adult contemporary charts.

1969
1979

In July of 1979, Brenda records “Tell Me What it’s Like.” It makes the top 10 and earns her a Grammy nomination.

1979
1983

Brenda Lee collaborates with producer Jerry Crutchfield on “Didn’t We Do it Good,” which becomes her first music video.

1983
1984

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.

1984
1997

Brenda Lee is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 23.

1997
2002

Brenda is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where she is introduced by Jewel and sings “Sweet Nothin’s.”

2002
2009

Brenda is honored with the Grammy Trustees Award for her significant influence in the recording field.

2009
2009

Brenda receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to music.

2009
2023

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.

2023

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