Brenda Lee

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  • Year:
    2002
  • Inducted by:
    Jewel
  • Category:
    Performers
brenda lee signature

Introduction

Singers like Brenda Lee are born, not made.

Which isn’t to say that Brenda Lee didn’t work hard—you don't get the Beatles as your opening act by resting on your laurels.

Hall of Fame Essay

2002

Robert K. Oermann

It is one of the most amazing sagas in the annals of popular music. Raised in dire poverty, Brenda Lee was singing on Atlanta radio at age six. She was the musical breadwinner for her family at age eight. When she was ten, she had her own record shop and radio show.

She was a network-television star and a national recording artist at age eleven. At twelve, she became the youngest headliner in Las Vegas history. She was the toast of Europe and a sensation in Latin America when she was fourteen.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 2002
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