Early Life and Education of Brenda Lee: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Brenda Lee. From birth to education, explore key events.
Brenda Lee, born Brenda Mae Tarpley, is an American singer celebrated for her contributions to rockabilly, pop, country, and Christmas music. Nicknamed "Little Miss Dynamite," she had her first Billboard hit at age 12. Her popular songs include "Sweet Nothin's" and "I'm Sorry." Lee achieved a historic milestone in 2023 when her 1958 recording, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," topped the Billboard Hot 100, making her the oldest artist to ever achieve this feat and breaking several chart records.
December 11, 1944: Brenda Lee's Birth
On December 11, 1944, Brenda Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia, weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces. She was born to parents Annie Grayce and Ruben Lindsey Tarpley.
1953: Father's Death and Early Career
In 1953, Brenda Lee's father died and by the time she turned ten, she became the primary breadwinner of her family by singing at events and on local radio and television shows.
1953: Father's Death
In 1953, Brenda Lee's father, Ruben Lindsey Tarpley, passed away. This event significantly impacted her early life.
1955: Marriage of Grayce Tarpley to Buell Rainwater
In 1955, Grayce Tarpley, Brenda Lee's mother, married Buell "Jay" Rainwater, leading the family to move to Cincinnati, Ohio.
December 11, 1956: Brenda Lee turns 12
On December 11, 1956, Brenda Lee turned 12, the same year that both of her first two Decca singles credited her as "Little Brenda Lee (9 Years Old)".
1957: First Billboard Hit
In 1957, Brenda Lee achieved her first Billboard hit at the age of 12, earning her the nickname "Little Miss Dynamite."
1957: Contract Lawsuit
In 1957, her five-year contract with Ozark Jubilee was broken by a lawsuit brought by her mother and her manager, however, she continued to appear on the program throughout its run.
November 1962: Meeting Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Shacklett
In November 1962, Brenda Lee met Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Shacklett at a concert by Bo Diddley and Jackie Wilson.
April 24, 1963: Marriage to Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Shacklett
On April 24, 1963, Brenda Lee married Charles Ronald "Ronnie" Shacklett.
2002: Publication of Autobiography
In 2002, Brenda Lee's autobiography, "Little Miss Dynamite: The Life and Times of Brenda Lee," was published by Hyperion.
