PBS’s American Masters series will be presenting the story behind Brenda Lee’s iconic music career and how she rose to become one of the biggest, female music acts in history. The episode “Rockin’ Around” will premiere nationwide on Monday December 16, 2024 @ 10:00 PM EST with repeat airings and streaming to follow (check local listings on the PBS app).
American Masters is an Emmy winning documentary series that focuses upon the profiles of outstanding American Artists. Those that have been included are icons such as Helen Hayes, Andy Warhol, Billie Holiday, Charlie Chaplin, Leonard Bernstein, and a kaleidoscope of others. “Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around” will explore her childhood poverty, and her early fame that shaped her artistry across the genres of pop, rock n’ roll and country. Considered “the singer who mastered the sound of heartbreak” Brenda Lee at 79 years old is the oldest artist to reach number one in Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and is the first woman to be inducted into both the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The episode includes interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and the dazzle of trailblazing female pioneer Jackie DeShannon. DeShannon credits Lee for giving her a break in the music industry with songs including “Dum Dum” and Heart in Hand” which were written by her and recorded by Lee. DeShannon went on to write and record songs including the legendary “Put A Little Love in Your Heart”, “When You Walk in the Room”, and “Bette Davis Eyes” which earned her a Grammy for Song of the Year. DeShannon also wrote songs for Randy Newman, Jimmy Page, Van Morrison and others. Her songs have been performed by dozens of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Ella Fitzgerald, The Byrds and Cher. DeShannon told her own story about Brenda Lee this past April at the Country Music Hall of Fame Theater and Museum during the live series “Poets & Prophets”, and will always credit Brenda Lee for giving her a chance.