Brenda Lee Exhibit

Some of you may know that Scott's major project at work this past year has been an exhibit that is opening at the Hall of Fame this August on the singer, Brenda Lee. Professionally, this is HUGE for Scott as it is the first exhibit that he has been the primary curator on since he completed his masters degree last year. I hope that you guys will be able to stop by the Hall of Fame to see the exhibit sometime this year (it should be open until June of 2010)!

Here is the official press release for the exhibit.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME ® AND MUSEUM TO OPEN

BRENDA LEE: DYNAMITE, PRESENTED BY GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY TELEVISION NETWORK,

ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009

Opening Month Festivities to Include Brenda Lee Interview and Autograph Signing, Curator’s Exhibit Talk and Film Screenings

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 9, 2009 – The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will honor one of American music’s most gifted and beloved stars, Brenda Lee, in Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network, a biographical exhibit opening Friday, August 7, 2009, for a 10-month run in the Museum’s East Gallery. The exhibit will run through June 13, 2010.

Opening weekend festivities will an exhibit introduction and talk by a Museum curator; an interview with Lee, hosted by exhibit co-curator Scott Anderson and illustrated with photos, film footage and recordings from the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive; an autograph signing by Lee in the Museum Store; and a screening of the 2001 film Little Miss Dynamite: Brenda Lee. (A detailed schedule of grand opening activities is below.)

“Brenda Lee is one of the most versatile singers ever to record in Nashville, and the only female artist to be enshrined in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” said Museum Director Kyle Young. “She possesses a powerful voice that belies her four-feet-nine-inches-tall frame, and her innate interpretive skills have allowed her to tackle many disparate musical genres with equal authority. She has sold millions of records worldwide and charted in multiple categories, including country, pop, R&B and easy listening. In doing so, Brenda Lee has transcended musical boundaries to earn the awards and respect of fans and peers worldwide.

“We are grateful to both Brenda and her husband, Ronnie Shacklett, for opening up their lives and home to us and allowing us to tell this extraordinary story.”

Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network

Born Brenda Mae Tarpley on December 11, 1944, Lee achieved success in numerous genres, decades and continents during her ground-breaking career. Her indelible contributions to American music – from the rockabilly-infused “Dynamite” to the classic ballad “I’m Sorry” and the holiday standard “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – were acknowledged formally with her inductions into both the Country and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame.

Employing a wealth of splendid stage costumes, vintage photos, awards, posters and advertisements, personal correspondence, career-spanning audio and video and more, Brenda Lee: Dynamite will explore the life and impact of the preternaturally gifted young singer who stormed onto the music scene with a powerful voice that would dominate rock & roll and country music charts for nearly three decades.

Notable artifacts featured in the exhibit include the following:

* “Brenda Lee’s Life Story” comic book, published by Dell in 1962

* “Brenda Lee…The Paper Doll” set with miniature LPs and turntable, c. 1964

* Black gown with lace and sequin overlay and velvet ribbon trim, worn onstage by Lee in the 1960s

* Certificate presented to Lee to commemorate her November 2, 1964, performance for Queen Elizabeth II

* Lillie Rubin empire-waisted brocade evening dress with matching floor-length coat encrusted with pearls, bugle beads and rhinestones and trimmed with a fur collar and cuffs, worn by Lee onstage c. 1970

* “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” diorama featuring Lee in front of a hearth, surrounded by a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations

* A pair of Swarovski crystal-monogrammed sunglasses and a letter of congratulations given to Lee by her friend Sir Elton John

* Numerous awards, including the plaque and medallion commemorating Lee’s 1997 election to the Country Music Hall of Fame; Lee’s 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame statuette; and Lee’s 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network Grand Opening Month Program Schedule

All programs are included with Museum admission and free to Museum members, except as noted below.

Friday, August 7, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Film loop: Brenda Lee in Concert, Recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Lee’s 1978 performance features of some of her biggest hits, including “Fool #1,” “I’m Sorry,” “Jambalaya” and “Johnny One Time.” Total loop time is 47 minutes. Free.

Friday, August 7, 1:00 p.m.
Curator’s Exhibit Talk: Brenda Lee: Dynamite, Presented by Great American Country Television Network. A Museum curator offers an introduction to the exhibit.

Saturday, August 8, 1:30 p.m.
Interview: Brenda Lee
Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee will discuss her career during a special program celebrating the opening of Brenda Lee: Dynamite. From child star on the Ozark Jubilee, to rockabilly teen queen, pop entertainer, and country hitmaker, Lee has gone through multiple reinventions. Most of her hits, including “I’m Sorry” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” were recorded in Nashville with legendary producer Owen Bradley. This interview will be illustrated with vintage photos, film footage and recordings. Following the program, Lee will go to the Museum Store for a signing. Please visit the Museum’s website for signing details.

Sunday, August 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Film loop: Brenda Lee in Concert, Recorded with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

Lee’s 1978 performance features of some of her biggest hits, including “Fool #1,” “I’m Sorry,” “Jambalaya” and “Johnny One Time.” Total loop time is 47 minutes. Free.

Sunday, August 9, 2:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Little Miss Dynamite: Brenda Lee (2001)
Little Miss Dynamite: Brenda Lee details the inspirational story of one of country music’s most beloved entertainers. Touring since age eight to support her family, Brenda Lee relied on talent and ambition to climb from impoverished Georgia beginnings to international success and recognition. Footage includes recollections and commentary from Lee and her family, as well as Rita Coolidge, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton and others. Free.

Sunday, August 30, 2:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Jubilee U.S.A. with special guest Brenda Lee (1958-9)
During its five-year run, Jubilee U.S.A (also called the Ozark Jubilee and Country Music Jubilee) was the most successful country music television show of its time. Filmed in Springfield, Missouri, the nationally televised show aired weekly on ABC beginning in January 1955. The show, which was hosted by Red Foley, featured performances by him alongside established and up-and-coming country singers. Brenda Lee, then in her mid-teens, performs in these two episodes. Total screening time is 60 minutes. Free.