Brenda Lee Shares The Unforgettable Advice She Got From Judy Garland
Allen Clark/NBC via Getty Images, Bettmann Archives / Getty Images
Brenda Lee Recalls the Advice Judy Garland Once Gave Her
Brenda Lee was just 13 years old when she met the legendary actress Judy Garland.
During a recent appearance on The Bobby Bones Show, Brenda Lee shared the story of meeting one of her idols, Judy Garland.
The “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” singer explained that their encounter took place at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, where Lee was preparing to perform. When she spotted Garland lounging by the pool, she knew she had to go say something.
RELATED: VINCE GILL, KEITH URBAN JOIN BRENDA LEE FOR âROCKINâ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREEâ
Lee recalls walking up and introducing herself. Then, she asked Garland a question: “If you had one piece of advice to give me, what would it be?”
At that moment, Lee received advice she would never forget. Garland responded, saying, “Don’t let them take away your childhood.”
The suggestion Judy Garland gave Lee all those years ago clearly came from her own experience, as she had been in show business nearly from the time she was born.
Brenda Lee found fame at a very young age, releasing her now 5x platinum track “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” in 1958 when she was just thirteen.
Since then, Leeâs recordings have sold over 25 million copies. A decade later, she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The song made history last year by reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time, 65 years after its initial release. This achievement made Brenda Lee the oldest woman to ever top the chart, at 78 years old.
Most recently, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was declared Tennessee’s official holiday song.
You can watch Brenda Lee talk about the time she received unforgettable advice from Judy Garland in the video below.
