Brenda Lee Was ‘One of the Lucky Ones’ Because of What Her Husband of 6 Decades Did for Her — Her Story

Brenda Lee was born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia — the second of four children in a working-class family. Even as a toddler, her exceptional musical talent was undeniable. At just two years old, she could whistle and sing a song perfectly after hearing it only once.

However, her early life was marked by hardship. In 1953, her father tragically died in a construction accident, leaving the family in financial difficulty. Her mother remarried in 1955, and the family relocated to Augusta, Georgia.

Lee’s voice quickly became a source of hope and income. By age 10, she was performing on local radio and television shows, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and precocious stage presence. “I did start on radio. I was confident,” the iconic singer said.

Her first paying gig, for just $35, was more than a week’s wages in rural Georgia, signaling her potential to help lift her family out of poverty. In 1956, a pivotal moment came when Lee, only 11 years old, performed Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” alongside country legend Red Foley.

Her commanding performance earned her a spot on the nationally televised “Ozark Jubilee.” Asked if she was ever scared performing at such a young age in front of such large audiences, Lee revealed, “No, not really.”

“Nobody ever told me to be nervous. The stage always felt like hometown to me because I had been in front of people ever since I was 3 years old, singing to people. So it was a very comfortable spot for me,” she continued.

As she grew, Lee’s career skyrocketed. Nicknamed Little Miss Dynamite for her explosive voice and charisma, she became a teen idol. She was signed to Decca Records in 1956 and her vocals on tracks like “Bigelow 6-200,” “Little Jonah” and “Let’s Jump the Broomstick” went on to become classics.

Her producer, Owen Bradley, then encouraged her to explore various musical styles, resulting in a unique blend of country, rockabilly, blues, and ballads.

By the 1960s, she was a household name with over 55 chart-topping hits and an international fan base spanning geographical locations like Japan, Germany, and Great Britain.

While fame brought its rewards, in 1962, during a concert in Nashville, she met her husband, Ronnie Shacklett. The couple married on April 24 the following year, beginning a partnership that would span over six decades.

They welcomed two daughters, Julie in 1964 and Jolie in 1969, while Lee continued to tour, record, and dazzle audiences worldwide. By the 1970s, she had transitioned to country music, achieving continued success.

This success included seeing “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” reach the pinnacle of Billboard’s all-genre chart, becoming only the third holiday song to ever reach No. 1 on the Hot 100.

“I like that God has given me that favor that I can stand aside and look and know that it wasn’t just me; that it’s a conglomerate of a lot of people that made the song what it is,” she shared.

Reflecting on her timeless Christmas hit, Lee shared how it continues to find success years after its release. “I think I’m making more now than I did when I was singing,” she said with a laugh.

Then came her retirement, which she credited her husband for giving her the confidence to eventually do. “I was one of the lucky ones that had a great husband that saved the money,” she said.

“He had his own business and what he told me was, one day he said, ‘Honey, I know you love to sing and you could do it as long as you want to, but if there’s ever a point you don’t, don’t worry about it.’ So that gave me the foundation to stand on and say, you know what? I’m going to retire,” the legendary singer added.

Thus, in the early 2000s, after decades of touring and recording, Lee decided it was time to slow down. While she cherished the joy of performing, the demands of constant travel had taken a toll on her body and spirit.

“I didn’t retire because I didn’t love the business, because I do. I love the people in it. I love the musicians, I love the songwriters. But when I retired, the business was a little crazy and I didn’t feel like there was a place for what I was doing,” she said.

“The singing never got old, but the getting there and the getting back was wearing my body out, and it does everybody,” Lee added. She reflected on her decision with no regrets, expressing gratitude for a career filled with accolades, devoted fans, and countless memories.

Her retirement allowed her to focus on her family and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. “I can finally put my kids and my grandkids and my friends first. For once, I’m here to see them,” the singer candidly admitted.

Throughout her journey, Lee has remained deeply grateful to her fans, whom she considers an extension of her family. Their loyalty and love, she said, were instrumental in her success.

“They know I love them and I know they love me. I have some that have been with me from the start. Other than God, they are responsible for who and what I am. He gave me the gift, but they’ve let me have my gift,” she touchingly stated.

She maintained that her greatest achievement wasn’t the awards or record-breaking hits but the lasting connection she forged with those who supported her from the start. “They are the best people in the world. I know when one of their kids are hurt,” the singer added.

“I know if they are hurt. They know if something is happening in my family and we love each other. I want them to love other entertainers too and they do. That makes me happy. We started out together and Lord love them, they are still here,” she continued.

However, Lee, 80, proved in a recent social media post that retirement looks good on her. The singer took to Instagram to share a clip of herself roaming through Target and one person commented, “National Treasurer!”

Another social media user shared, “Oh my goodness, such a genuine, beautiful person,” and a third typed, “This woman’s voice will ring on in all of our hearts for eternity.”

Brenda Lee’s story is not just one of extraordinary talent but also of resilience, gratitude, and the profound impact of a loving partner who supported her. Through it all, she remains a beloved icon, her legacy shining as brightly as ever.