Georgia Lee (singer) facts for kids

Georgia Lee (born Ramer Lyra "Dulcie" Pitt, 1921–2010) was an amazing Australian singer and actress. She was known for her jazz and blues music. Georgia came from Cairns, a city in Queensland. She made history as the first Indigenous Australian artist to record blues songs. Her famous album was called Georgia Lee Sings the Blues Down Under, released in 1962.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Georgia Lee was born Ramer Lyra "Dulcie" Pitt on February 22, 1921. Her family had a rich background from different parts of the world. Her father, Douglas Pitt jnr, had Jamaican, Scottish, and Loyalty Islander roots. Her mother, Myra Kemple-Hopkin, had Afghani, Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Scottish heritage.

Georgia grew up in a very musical family. Her sisters, Sophie and Heather, were also talented singers. Her brothers, Arthur and Walter, played musical instruments. Even though she didn't have formal music lessons, Georgia learned all her songs by listening.

Georgia Lee's Singing Career

During World War II, Georgia and her sisters Sophie and Heather formed a group called the Harmony Sisters. Sometimes their brothers Arthur and Walter joined them. They performed for American troops in Queensland as part of the United States Service Office Show. People loved their performances. In 1943, a show mentioned how Heather and Dulcie Pitt sang beautifully and even did a fun hula dance.

After the war, Dulcie started using the stage name Georgia Lee. She moved to bigger cities in Australia and later to the United Kingdom. She performed and recorded with many famous musicians and bands. These included Graeme Bell, Geraldo, Bruce Clarke, and the Port Jackson Jazz Band.

In 1947, she sang "If I Had You" on a radio show called Sports Parade. Listeners loved her so much that they asked for her to perform again. After this, she became known as Georgia Lee. Her performance of "Blue Heaven" with Graeme Bell in 1948 was a big hit. She also appeared on the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC)'s radio shows, Show Business and The Hit Parade.

In late 1953, Georgia moved to London. She joined Geraldo's dance band. By 1954, she was offered a lot of money to stay with Geraldo, but she chose to join a new show instead. In 1957, she toured Australia with the famous American singer Nat King Cole.

Television Appearances

Georgia Lee also appeared on television. In 1961, she acted in a TV play called Burst of Summer for the ABC. She also performed on popular Australian TV shows like Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight and Bandstand.

Making History with Blues Music

Georgia Lee is famous for being the first Indigenous Australian artist to record blues songs. Her 1962 album, Georgia Lee Sings the Blues Down Under, was a very important recording. It might have been only the second album ever released by an Australian woman. It was also the first Australian album recorded in stereo sound.

The album featured many talented musicians. In 2009, this historic album was added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry. This means it's recognized as a very important part of Australia's sound history.

Later Life and Legacy

Georgia Lee passed away on April 23, 2010, at the age of 89. She was living in a nursing home in Cairns. Her niece, Wilma Reading, also became a well-known singer, continuing the family's musical talent.

Discography

• "Graeme Bell Jazz Concert: Eps 1 and 5" (1949)
• "Graeme Bell Jazz Concert: Eps 10 and 14" (1949)
• "Graeme Bell Jazz Concert: Eps 19 and 23" (1949)
• Bruce Clarke Quintones — "St Louis Blues" (1951) Jazzart
• Bruce Clarke Quintones — "Blue Moon" (1951) Jazzart
• "Johnny Angel (song)" sung by Georgia Lee (1960)
• "It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow" (1961) Rex
• Georgia Lee Sings the Blues Down Under (1962) Crest

Filmography

• Burst of Summer (1961 Television Version) as Peggy Dinjerra