Bonnie Lee was an American Chicago blues singer known as "The Sweetheart of the Blues".
11 Facts About Bonnie Lee
1.
2.
Bonnie Lee is best remembered for her lengthy working relationships with Sunnyland Slim and Willie Kent.
3.
Bonnie Lee was born Jessie Lee Frealls in Bunkie, Louisiana, and raised in Beaumont, Texas.
4.
Bonnie Lee's mother refused to let her join the gospel singer Lillian Glinn on tour.
5.
Bonnie Lee later toured with the Famous Georgia Minstrels, meeting Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Big Mama Thornton.
6.
In 1958 she moved to Chicago and chose the stage name Bonnie Lee, working as both a dancer and singer.
7.
Bonnie Lee was later billed as Bonnie Lee Murray, using the surname of her husband at the time.
8.
In 1967 Bonnie Lee first appeared on a bill with the pianist Sunnyland Slim, and their working arrangement included residencies at several Chicago clubs.
9.
Bonnie Lee suffered from poor health at that time but then enjoyed a long professional partnership with Willie Kent.
10.
In 1992 Bonnie Lee performed on Magic Slim's album 44 Blues, with John Primer.
11.
Bonnie Lee died on September 7,2006, at the age of 75, after years of poor health.