Along with Connie Francis, Brenda Lee was one of the most popular and iconic female stars of the enthralling musical era which followed the explosion of rock n roll in the mid-50s, when the pop music landscape underwent an extraordinary transformation. Like Connie, Brenda was a hugely versatile performer, renowned for her powerful voice, which belied her diminutive stature, and able to deliver driving rockabilly or soulful country ballads with equal impact. She established a substantial and committed international fan following, which, as she successfully made the seamless transition from pop to country superstar, enabled her to enjoy a lengthy and highly successful career that has lasted over half a century. This collection is designed to give a comprehensive overview of the first crucial six years of her recording career, during which she achieved the biggest hits of her career on both sides of the Atlantic, and of course including the feat, at that time unprecedented, of scoring Top Ten hits with nine consecutive US releases from Sweet Nothins in 1959 to Everybody Loves Me But You in 1962 a record which lasted until overtaken by Madonna in 1986. Packed with memorable classics alongside some lesser-known collectable B sides, it includes both sides of all her releases during that period and it makes for a fascinating snapshot of her rise from child star on country radio to international pop star, with all the creative decision-making along the way, including the different way that some of her records were perceived and accepted on opposite sides of the Atlantic. This will undoubtedly appeal both to long-time Brenda lee aficionados, but also those with a broader interest in the music of the 50s and 60s, who will enjoy this collection covering the core chart career of one of pops enduring personalities.
