Brenda Lee
Origin: Lithonia, Georgia, USA Years: December 11, 1944
Brenda Lee, known as 'Little Miss Dynamite,' was a child prodigy who became one of the most successful female vocalists of the 1960s. Despite standing only 4'9" (145 cm), she possessed a powerful, mature voice that commanded attention. Lee recorded her first songs at age 11 and achieved two consecutive number-one hits in 1960 with 'I'm Sorry' and 'I Want to Be Wanted.' Her career spans over 65 years, transitioning from rock and roll and pop to country music. Her enduring holiday classic 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' (1958) remains one of the most-played Christmas songs decades later. Lee received induction into both Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy across multiple genres.
Rock and RollPopCountryRockabillyChristmas Music
Discography Overview
With a career spanning 1955 to present, Brenda Lee recorded her first songs at age 11 and has maintained a remarkable 65+ year music career. She achieved 47 Billboard Hot 100 chart entries, with two number-one hits ('I'm Sorry' and 'I Want to Be Wanted') in 1960. Her holiday classic 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' (1958) became an enduring Christmas standard that remains popular decades later. Lee received Grammy Hall of Fame induction for 'I'm Sorry' and 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.' She was inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, one of the few artists to achieve both honors. Billboard ranked her among 'Greatest Pop Stars of All Time' in 2022.
Key Albums
- I'm Sorry (1960)
- This Is... Brenda Lee (1960)
- All the Way (1961)
- Coming on Strong (1966)
- Brenda Lee (1971)
Key Songs
- I'm Sorry
- I Want to Be Wanted
- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
- Sweet Nothin's
- I'm All Alone
- Let's Jump the Broomstick
- Dum Dum
- Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
- Coming on Strong
- Big Four-Poster Bed
Career Timeline
- 1955 Recorded first songs at age 11; signed with Decca Records
- 1956 Released debut album 'Grandma, What Great Songs You Sang!' at age 12; earned nickname 'Little Miss Dynamite'
- 1958 Released 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree,' which became enduring holiday classic
- 1959 Achieved first Top 10 hits with 'Sweet Nothin's' and 'I'm All Alone'
- 1960 Scored consecutive number-one hits with 'I'm Sorry' and 'I Want to Be Wanted'; became most successful female vocalist of the year
- 1961 Released hit 'Dum Dum' and Top 10 songs 'Let's Jump the Broomstick' and 'Speak to Me Pretty'
- 1962-1965 Maintained consistent chart success with rock and roll and pop hits including 'Coming on Strong' and 'Big Four-Poster Bed'
- 1966 Released 'Coming on Strong' album; began transition to more mature sound
- 1968-1970 Toured extensively in Europe; gained international recognition
- 1971 Released self-titled album 'Brenda Lee' and transitioned to country music career
- 1970s-1980s Established successful country music career with multiple chart-topping country singles
- 1997 Inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame
- 2002 Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- 2009 Received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2022 Billboard ranked her among 'Greatest Pop Stars of All Time'
Related Articles
Influence Graph
How Brenda Lee sits in the influence chain
Influenced by
Influenced
- Taylor Swift
- Dolly Parton
- Reba Mcentire
- Loretta Lynn
- Kelly Clarkson
- Leann Rimes
- Carrie Underwood
