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This "American Masters" Episode May Be Worth A Look For Music Fans
I almost missed this and even though most people won't see this post in time, turns out, there are additional airings.
It's an "American Masters" episode on WNED-TV Saturday night at 10:30 PM. The subject: the story of Brenda Lee, who began life as a teenage hitmaker known as "Little Miss Dynamite" and recorded such classics as "I'm Sorry," "Comin' On Strong" and the Christmas perennial, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree."
Her story has always fascinated me because she started so young and stayed around for so long.
From the program description:
"Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee's iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock 'n' roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others."
Missed it the first time? According to WNED, it airs again on Dec. 5th at 3 PM and Dec. 6th at 12 midnight.
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Re: This "American Masters" Episode May Be Worth A Look For Music Fans
This turned out to be even better than I thought, and included interviews with Shotgun Tom Kelly of SiriusXM fame, covering the radio aspect of Lee's career. Also liked seeing the great Jackie DeShannon getting a few words in, as well. And some pretty incredible vintage footage from the 50s on.
Very much worth DVR-ing, especially since there are those inevitable - and endless - pledge breaks every 20 mins. or so.
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Thread Starter- unclefester
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Re: This "American Masters" Episode May Be Worth A Look For Music Fans
Thanks RA
I would also suggest the black and white YouTube clip from January 1963 of Brenda Lee on The Ed Sullivan Show.
She is accompanied by a live orchestra and her full vocal prowess is on display with her rendition of All Alone Am I.
It runs 2 mintes 55 seconds and would be time well spent.
It is truly dynamic & I think would serve as a real eye opener for those who aren't familiar with anything but her Christmas music.
She was outstanding!
Last edited by unclefester (December 1, 2024 9:53 am)
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Re: This "American Masters" Episode May Be Worth A Look For Music Fans
There's lots of great stuff in the doc, but maybe my favourite factoid is that Brenda Lee was a huge star in Europe, even recording in other languages. On her first concert tour of Britain, she had an opening act that almost no one had ever really heard of - the Silver Beetles, who would later go on to fame as - well, you know.
Yes, Brenda Lee's opening act was the Beatles. (She says in the show that John was her favourite.)
Imagine having that on your resume. Amazing.
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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Re: This "American Masters" Episode May Be Worth A Look For Music Fans
Just a reminder that this very worthwhile portrait of music pioneer Brenda Lee airs Monday night at 10 PM on WNED-TV, along with most of the PBS network.
You don't have to even like her music to find it fascinating, as it stretches right back to the beginning of rock and roll.
A profile of the hour from The Canadian Press:
Rock pioneer Brenda Lee shines in new documentary. 'I just wanted to sing'
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