Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

7 Unspoken Brenda Lee Facts That’ll Surprise You

Brenda Lee Facts
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

The lack of recognition that Brenda Lee has compared to her contemporaries doesn’t take away from her greatness. Lee’s career started during the late 1940s, and she made it big during the 1950s. 

Like any other celebrity throughout time, being famous doesn’t necessarily mean that everything about Brenda Lee is known to the world. If you want to learn something surprising about this iconic singer, here are a few unspoken Brenda Lee facts. 

1. Her Supportive Family Helped Her Overcome a Tragic Childhood

Brenda Lee‘s brilliant voice isn’t her greatest treasure. No, it’s her supporting and loving family. She was only 6 when her father died, and her mother worked long hours to support her and her siblings. They were extremely close as a family. They supported each other, which helped them overcome their catastrophic loss. 

2. Little Richard Was a Good Friend of Hers 

The 1950s was a year when music changed forever. It was a world shaped by Brenda Lee, together with powerhouses like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino. Along the way, Brenda became friends with the most prominent personalities in rock history, and Little Richard is one of them.

3. At Age 12, Brenda Lee Was Already Playing at Vegas 

Brenda’s life and experiences are like no other, even when she was just a kid. For instance, during her 12th birthday in 1956, the young girl spent time in Las Vegas. However, she wasn’t there to visit the sights and sounds; she became one of them. 

That’s right, Brenda performed with the Ink Spots at the Flamingo. According to her, she got weaved in and out of the show and sang during that time too. 

4. She is a Dog Lover 

If you’ve experienced losing a pet before, you would know how devastating it can be. So, when Brenda’s dog, Buddy, passed away, she told her family that she would never get another one to replace him. 

However, that sentiment started fading away when her husband brought a 4-week-old puppy home. The pup was sitting in the middle of the Tennesse interstate, where it got abandoned. 

5. Brenda Lee’s Autograph Collection is Out of This World 

Do successful musicians also look up to and idolize other famous musicians? Brenda Lee does, and she has a collection of memorabilia to prove it. 

When Rolling Stone visited her Nashville home in 2018, they found themselves surrounded by years worth of collectibles. She had framed photos of her and Elvis dancing together, a necklace he gave as a gift, and of course, a bucketload of autographs from him. Brenda Lee even admits that she’s what you’d call an “autograph hound.”

6. Brenda Lee Kept Herself Upright with the Help of Friendship and Faith

During her 2018 talks with Rolling Stone, Brenda got praised for successfully avoiding the common pitfalls stars encounter during their rise to fame. The superstar said that she managed to stay away from the rockstar world’s drugs and alcohol because of her family and their unwavering support. 

7. She Loves Rocking to “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”

It’s common to see artists loathing their hit songs after hearing them repeatedly. That is not the case with one of Brenda Lee’s Greatest Hits, “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.” 

Despite its constant return to the radio every Christmas season, she still loves the song. Even decades later, when she’s no longer performing the hit single on stage, it’s still a staple during her family’s holiday gatherings.

There you have it; these are our collection of unspoked Brenda Lee facts. Brenda’s angelic voice launched her into stardom at an early age. Despite her musical success and fame, she has always been a humble inspiration to many, even to this day. 

Trending

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just ...

Alex Miller performing on stage with his signature cowboy hat, showcasing his classic country charm and journey from American Idol to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alex Miller’s “Silver Wings” Performance Earns Grand Ole Opry Invite

For many artists, the Grand Ole Opry is a stage where dreams are made. It’s where legends are born and where country music’s history comes alive. For Alex Miller, a ...