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Brenda Lee had a fully formed career before even signing a contract

Season 38 Episode 6 | 2m 30s

Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a record deal. Her performances on "Ozark Jubilee" starring Red Foley at just 10 years old caught the eyes of executives at Decca Records, with whom she would eventually sign.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.
Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.
Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.
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