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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZLEE, Julia(b 13 Oct. '02, Boonesville MO; d 8 Dec. '58, Kansas City MO) R&B singer, pianist. Piano lessons at ten; four years later joined Walter Page's Kansas City band as vocalist. In brother George E. Lee's band, then solo residency at Milton's Tap Room KC until early '40s. Recorded with Jay McShann for Capitol '44; soon signed as solo artist, recording blues and boogie items until '52, often of a risqu‚ nature. At Harry Truman's inaugural party (a son of Missouri); gigs on West Coast '48--50; worked in KC the rest of her life. Best- known singles 'King Size Papa', 'Snatch And Grab It', 'My Man Stands Out', 'I Didn't Like It The First Time'; her 'I'll Get Along Somehow' was poignant, Benny Carter and Vic Dickenson played on 'Christmas Spirits'. There have been compilations on Charly and Jukebox; Gotta Gimme What'cha Got on President CD has 20 tracks '29--46; Kansas City Star on Bear Family is a five-CD set of complete Capitol recordings '44--52 plus tracks from Merritt, Brunswick, Premier, Damon and Fourmost, and a complete '46 rehearsal session. |