Brenda Lee Eager facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brenda Lee Eager
|
|
|---|---|
Eager in 2015
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | August 8, 1947 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul, gospel, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | c. 1970-present |
| Labels | Mercury, Private-I |
Brenda Lee Eager was born on August 8, 1947. She is an American soul singer and songwriter. Brenda is also a performer in musical theatre. She has written and sung many popular songs. Some of her well-known hits include "Ain't Understanding Mellow", "Close to You", and "Somebody's Somebody".
Contents
Brenda Eager's Early Life and Music Career
Brenda Eager was born in Mobile, Alabama. She grew up in a small town called Lower Peach Tree. As a child, she started singing in church. She also began writing her own songs. By the time she was in tenth grade, she was leading her own singing group. Brenda first sang professionally at age 17. This was at the Kings Club in Prichard, Alabama.
Moving to Chicago and Big Hits
Later, Brenda moved to Chicago, Illinois. By 1971, she became the main singer in Jerry Butler's backup group, Peaches. She recorded several songs with Jerry Butler. Their song "Ain't Understanding Mellow" was her biggest hit. It reached number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. It also sold over one million copies. This earned it a gold disc award.
In 1972, their duet version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You" was also popular. It reached number 6 on the R&B chart. In the early 1970s, Brenda also sang regularly. She was part of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Operation Breadbasket Choir in Chicago.
Solo Work and Songwriting
As a solo singer, Brenda had two smaller hits on the R&B chart. These were "Good Old Fashioned Lovin'" in 1975 and "Watch My Body Talk" in 1984. She also worked as a backup singer for many famous artists. These included Ray Charles, Mavis Staples, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder.
Brenda has also written songs for other musicians. Her songs have been recorded by artists like Bobby Womack, the Staples Singers, Aretha Franklin, and Prince. In 2000, she released her own album called Startin' Over.
Musicals and Directing
Brenda Eager has performed in several musicals. She was in The Message is in the Music with Della Reese. She also performed in Wild Woman Blues in Europe. Since 2006, she has directed The Heaven on Earth (T.H.E.) Choir. This choir is at the City of Angels Church in Culver City, California.
In 2010, Brenda wrote and performed in her own one-woman musical show. It was called Grace. The show was based on her own life story. It first opened in Los Angeles.
