Little Miss Dynamite: The Life and Times of Brenda Lee

Rating:
Summary: Waited For This One For a Long Time!
Review: A life-long fan of Brenda Lee, I bought this book the day that it hit first hit the bookstore ... I have always felt that Brenda's story should be told and have known it was in the works ... Written in a style that was highly "conversational," the book makes the reader feel that they are sitting at a table in an informal chat with the author. Having followed her career for at least 35 years, I found the book fascinating. I had my nose in it for three straight days, every time that I had a free minute, until it was finished. The stories that dealt with Dub Albritton, her manager, who used every piece of energy he had to promote her and then, was found to have mismanaged her funds; her statements about extreme poverty as a child, even when her early image screamed "success"; and the telling of how her marriage to Ronnie Shacklett has stayed strong from her late teens until present day all were total highlights of an excellent read. I plan to read it again within the month. The true and avid fan of Brenda Lee can't afford to miss this one!

Rating:
Summary: You can Depend on Little Miss Dynimite!
Review: A rare self portrait by one of the most successful female artists of all time. Like her music, this long awaited book was nothing less than first class. As a fan, I've followed Brenda for at least 40 years but realized I knew little of her true journey. This book is a literal scrapbook of her life as a music legend, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Like her songs, Brenda "Tells It Like It is". A very honest and candid treasury of memories of personal moments, Brenda reaches deep into her soul to share. There's plenty of good times and bad, and by the second read, you will find yourself dazzelled one minute and anguished the next. This is not the typical rags to riches story, as it leaves you with an understanding that you know she knows both sides of the fence. It is obvious that she has always had such talent and determination, that Little Miss Dynimite has never dwelled on a firecracker of disapointment, but looked for the explosion of success in everything she does. This book is unlike so many other autobiographies, as the author is very modest and non self indulgent, rather she brings us through a passage of time and historical events in our country and the music industry in general. To pass this book up would be depriving yourself.

Rating:
Summary: THE LITTLE LADY WITH THE POWERFUL VOICE!
Review: Any one growing up in the fifites and sixties will remember the powerful voice of Brenda Lee. To say that is was, indeed, dynamite, is no exaggeration. This book is a typical "rags to riches story", but Brenda, herself, is strong woman who has overcome some extremely significant challenges in her lifetime. From her childhood poverty, to the manager she trusted who left her virtually financially destroyed in the seventies, Brenda tells it all - the good, the bad, the trust and betrayal, her day in the sun and her illness - this is her story. For those of us who are today's baby boomers, we look back at that time of our youth, when rock 'n roll was what made the world go round, and often we hear a name and say, "I wonder whatever happened to...." Brenda Lee, is a name most of us no longer think about on a daily basis, but every now and then we hear a golden oldie, such as "I'm Sorry" and we remember Brenda Lee. The book is filled with information told as only Brenda could tell it and the book is highly recommended reading material for those of us who like to "remember when."

Rating:
Summary: A true living legend
Review: As another life-long fan of Brenda Lee, I pre-ordered the book to make sure I got as early as posssible. I'am not really a book reader, but I had to buy this, and I couldn't put it down, I thought I knew most thing about Brenda, but found a lot more interesting thing about her.
People who don't like the book, were hoping to read about sex and drugs etc, but Brenda is clean living, loving wife and mother, and who loves her fan's, it's a shame other artist's don't care as much as Brenda does.

This book is a must for any true fan, you will enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Reply to Twiggy76 ( Little Miss Ego)
Review: I dont think you have to be a fan to really enjoy this book. Any one who grew up during the great era of rock n roll knows Brenda Lee and appreciates her music. ...The book will hold your interest from beginning to end. Give it a read, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I really wasn't into this book until I watched this documentary on PBS on women who sang rockabilly music, and I had noticed her auto at the library, so I checked it out and here I am giving a review. It is not fortunate for child stars to grow up and become normal,productive adults. If anything, they are scarred, eccentric, or trying to relive their glory days. But with this lady, you have a woman who just happened to be a child star, survived the business despite her controlling manager, bad business moves, and illnesses. She has turned out into a gracious lady and her book is really great. If you are looking to go back into memory lane to the the good ol' days, well this is the book for you. A great book by a great American lady.

Rating:
Summary: "Litte Miss Dynamite" Always #1
Review: Little Miss Dynamite, The Life and Times of Brenda Lee is a long-awaited book. Fans have waited for so many years for Brenda Lee to write a book and thank God she did! This book tells many stories of Brenda's life in Georgia that some of us may not have known. Brenda doesn't leave anything out!
For the one review below stating that Brenda Lee is "Little Miss Ego" is so untrue! For someone to write something like that about someone they do not know! Brenda Lee is FAR from having an ego problem! Brenda Lee is the nicest, most kindest person that I have ever meet! When one writes their own biography, this becomes an Autobiography in which one writes about their life. Now, Brenda's book is entitled, "The Life and Times" and that's what you get! This book is ALL ABOUT Brenda's life! For the person saying this book is all about how great Brenda Lee is, you are very correct! Because Brenda Lee is great! The meaning of autobiography means to "Write about ones Life" and as I stated above, that is what Brenda Lee has done! So, for those of you who have not read the book, please do so! You will come out of the book loving Brenda more that you already do! I am so thankful that Brenda actually took the time to tell us HER STORY.

Rating:
Summary: Little Mrs. Shacklett
Review: Many a celebrity autobiography--especially in recent years--has been little more than a braggadocio tale of sordid bravado. So many Hollywood hot shots seem compelled to gleefully describe their amoral lasciviousness and mock the virtues millions of Americans hold dear.

Fans of that sort of salacious shock should avoid Brenda Lee's memoirs at all costs. Her salubrious life is just what would be expected from the effervescent chanteuse who's now enjoying her fifth decade of stardom. Although she tells many interesting show biz stories from her days of prepubescent renown to her current status as music industry veteran, readers clearly see that her proudest accomplishments have been her successful roles as wife (nearing 40 years married), mother, and grandmother. Unlike the sleazy conquests that fill other celebrity tell-alls, Little Miss Dynamite boasts, "I never wore my `Brenda Lee' hat at home; I was `Mrs. Shacklett;' I was Julie and Jolie's mother; I was the obnoxious cheerleader with the cowbell at the basketball games; I became a master at helping with school projects." Fame and fortune were welcome bonuses accentuating her fulfilled life.

While glitz and glamour have been the undoing of several immature stars, Brenda had her priorities straight from the beginning. As a teenage bride of seven months she learned that she was to become a mother. Those in charge of her career were dismayed by how this development could negate her star. Brenda herself had a different reaction; "I never had one thought of the career, of the consequences, or what it might mean to my future." She was too thrilled establishing a family to worry about her job.

Her life was far from a bed of roses, but from early childhood she received solid grounding. Born into penury, her father died before her early-blooming career budded. Describing the rare luxuries of her childhood she sites oranges which they usually only had at Christmas and concedes, "looking back now, I can't believe that I didn't know we were poor...at that time I was happy; I had people around me who cared about me and loved me."

Another contrast from the Hollywood status quo was seen during the Vietnam War. Unlike the perpetually protesting celebrities, Brenda--who had serious reservations about the conflict--wanted to perform for the troops in Vietnam, but it was ruled too dangerous. She did manage to entertain many wounded soldiers including once on a tour of a military hospital in the Philippines with General Westmoreland. Describing her visit to many soldiers who had lost limbs she states "a lot of people wouldn't want to see that, but I felt it was the least I could do for these men who were giving their lives and limbs for America." Many soldiers asker her to contact loved ones back home, and she reveals "there were dozens of families, and I called every single one."

Unquestionably the most poignant vignette that additionally shows the power of wholesome music to touch the soul concerns the tale of a little girl whose stepmother balefully banished her to a mental institution where she was unjustly confined for years. Upon her release she contacted Brenda to say access to her music had sustained her through those nightmare years. Brenda felt blessed by meeting this incredible woman and said that by her travails, "she taught me never to feel sorry for myself or for whatever bad situation I was in."

Distancing herself even further from the Hollywood notables, Brenda is not shy in admitting her reverent faith. Once her daughter's cancer diagnosis was found to be in error--after the girl was prepped for surgery--Brenda attributed it to a miracle brought about by the prayers of so many.

Those looking for show biz tidbits won't be disappointed. Since Brenda Lee's career has encompassed so many styles, her path crossed with a cornucopia of performers. She shares her encounters with the diverse likes of Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Barbara Mandrell, Jimmy Durante, Tanya Tucker, Burt Reynolds, Art Garfunkle and scores of others.

At one point, Brenda admits, "I wasn't the new Judy Garland. I wanted something else out of life. I wanted roots stability and normalcy." It's easy to see that she achieved her goal, and has a very interesting and lucrative career providing icing to her cake.

Rating:
Summary: Little Mrs. Shacklett
Review: Many a celebrity autobiography--especially in recent years--has been little more than a braggadocio tale of sordid bravado. So many Hollywood hot shots seem compelled to gleefully describe their amoral lasciviousness and mock the virtues millions of Americans hold dear.

Fans of that sort of salacious shock should avoid Brenda Lee's memoirs at all costs. Her salubrious life is just what would be expected from the effervescent chanteuse who's now enjoying her fifth decade of stardom. Although she tells many interesting show biz stories from her days of prepubescent renown to her current status as music industry veteran, readers clearly see that her proudest accomplishments have been her successful roles as wife (nearing 40 years married), mother, and grandmother. Unlike the sleazy conquests that fill other celebrity tell-alls, Little Miss Dynamite boasts, "I never wore my 'Brenda Lee' hat at home; I was 'Mrs. Shacklett;' I was Julie and Jolie's mother; I was the obnoxious cheerleader with the cowbell at the basketball games; I became a master at helping with school projects." Fame and fortune were welcome bonuses accentuating her fulfilled life.

While glitz and glamour have been the undoing of several immature stars, Brenda had her priorities straight from the beginning. As a teenage bride of seven months she learned that she was to become a mother. Those in charge of her career were dismayed by how this development could negate her star. Brenda herself had a different reaction; "I never had one thought of the career, of the consequences, or what it might mean to my future." She was too thrilled establishing a family to worry about her job.

Her life was far from a bed of roses, but from early childhood she received solid grounding. Born into penury, her father died before her early-blooming career budded. Describing the rare luxuries of her childhood she sites oranges which they usually only had at Christmas and concedes, "looking back now, I can't believe that I didn't know we were poor...at that time I was happy; I had people around me who cared about me and loved me."

Another contrast from the Hollywood status quo was seen during the Vietnam War. Unlike the perpetually protesting celebrities, Brenda--who had serious reservations about the conflict--wanted to perform for the troops in Vietnam, but it was ruled too dangerous. She did manage to entertain many wounded soldiers including once on a tour of a military hospital in the Philippines with General Westmoreland. Describing her visit to many soldiers who had lost limbs she states "a lot of people wouldn't want to see that, but I felt it was the least I could do for these men who were giving their lives and limbs for America." Many soldiers asker her to contact loved ones back home, and she reveals "there were dozens of families, and I called every single one."

Unquestionably the most poignant vignette that additionally shows the power of wholesome music to touch the soul concerns the tale of a little girl whose stepmother balefully banished her to a mental institution where she was unjustly confined for years. Upon her release she contacted Brenda to say access to her music had sustained her through those nightmare years. Brenda felt blessed by meeting this incredible woman and said that by her travails, "she taught me never to feel sorry for myself or for whatever bad situation I was in."

Distancing herself even further from the Hollywood notables, Brenda is not shy in admitting her reverent faith. Once her daughter's cancer diagnosis was found to be in error--after the girl was prepped for surgery--Brenda attributed it to a miracle brought about by the prayers of so many.

Those looking for show biz tidbits won't be disappointed. Since Brenda Lee's career has encompassed so many styles, her path crossed with a cornucopia of performers. She shares her encounters with the diverse likes of Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Barbara Mandrell, Jimmy Durante, Tanya Tucker, Burt Reynolds, Art Garfunkle and scores of others.

At one point, Brenda admits, "I wasn't the new Judy Garland. I wanted something else out of life. I wanted roots stability and normalcy." It's easy to see that she achieved her goal, and has a very interesting and lucrative career providing icing to her cake.

Rating:
Summary: Great talent and she knows it
Review: This book gives an excellent peek at decades of the music industry and many of the people in it. I enjoyed learning about Brenda's life and career, and am amazed by her energy and the number of people she knows. The part of the story told in first person is a balanced narrative, explaining but not bragging or complaining. It's truly mindboggling that someone can generate a star's income but be forced to live in poverty. I like the concept of having quotes by other people interspersed with Brenda's story, but I sure did get tired of reading about her great talent and showmanship abilities. She brags about herself through quotes of other people. Cutting out that repetition would improve the book. My only other complaint is that the book jumps around and is hard to follow. A person dies in one chapter and is alive in the next. Brenda gets a makeover and a new stage show, and then jumps back several years to talk about getting married. It would give a smoother picture to learn about the marriage and babies before reading about world tours and stage shows that the reader has been led to believe occurred while she was single. As a lifelong country music fan, I am pleased to now understand where and how Brenda Lee fits into the business.