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JULIA LEE

Biography

Julia Lee was born on October 31, 1902, in Boonville, Missouri, and raised in Kansas City. She began her musical career early, performing with her father's string trio and later joining her brother George E. Lee's band, George E. Lee and His Novelty Singing Orchestra, around 1920. This band was a significant rival to the Bennie Moten Orchestra and included notable musicians like Charlie Parker. After her brother's band disbanded in 1935, Lee launched a solo career, becoming a major figure in the post-World War II blues revival. She was known for her husky voice, straightforward piano style, and risqué songs, often described as 'the songs my mother taught me not to sing.' Her hits included 'Snatch and Grab It,' 'King Size Papa,' and 'Gotta Gimme Whatcha Got,' which were recorded with Capitol Records starting in 1944. Lee's popularity peaked in the late 1940s, but she remained a beloved performer in Kansas City until her death on December 8, 1958. She was married to Frank Duncan, a baseball player and manager for the Kansas City Monarchs. Lee's legacy as 'Kansas City's Sweetheart of Song' endures, with her music continuing to influence blues and jazz artists. Her performances were not only musically impactful but also visually distinctive, with her signature black lace gowns and hairstyles. In 1949, she performed at the White House, a testament to her national recognition.

Fun Facts

  • Julia Lee was known for her risqué songs, which were often too explicit for radio play in the 1940s.
  • She performed at the White House in 1949 at the invitation of President Harry Truman.
  • Lee was married to Frank Duncan, a prominent figure in the Negro Leagues baseball.
  • She was one of the first women to join the Local 627 Musicians Union in Kansas City.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • George E. Lee - brother and band leader (George E. Lee and His Novelty Singing Orchestra) [1920s]

Key Collaborators

  • Samuel 'Baby' Lovett - drummer and frequent collaborator (White House performance) [1940s]
  • Jay McShann - pianist and session musician (Julia Lee and Her Boy Friends recordings) [1940s]
  • Benny Carter - saxophonist and session musician (Julia Lee and Her Boy Friends recordings) [1940s]

Artists Influenced

  • None specifically documented - influence on blues and jazz (general blues revival) [post-1940s]

Connection Network

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Collaborators
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Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires (Original Soundtrack) 2025-07-11 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Don't Mess With Us - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires" (Don't Mess With Us (From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"))
  2. favorite cafe (From the Desk of Eli Golden)
  3. The Place To Be - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour Official Playlist)
  4. The Place To Be - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour Official Playlist)
  5. Don't Mess With Us - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour Official Playlist)
  6. The Place To Be - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Zombies: Nova's Greatest Hits)
  7. Dead End (Dead End)
  8. Don't Mess With Us - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour Official Playlist)
  9. Don't Mess With Us - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Zombies: Nova's Greatest Hits)
  10. Kerosene - From "ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires"/Soundtrack Version (Zombies: Nova's Greatest Hits)
  • Spotify
  • [Wikipedia](Not available)

References

  1. pendergastkc.org
  2. wbssmedia.com
  3. allaboutjazz.com

Heard on WWOZ

JULIA LEE has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Oct 20, 202514:53I DIDN'T LIKE IT THE FIRST TIMEfrom TONIGHT'S THE NIGHTBlues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe