Johnny Lee | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Publicity_Photo_of_Johnny_Lee.jpg) Publicity Photo of Johnny Lee | |
| Born | John Dotson Lee Jr. July 4, 1898 Springfield, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | December 12, 1965 (aged 67) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1932–1965 |
| Spouse | Jenrive Lee |
John Dotson Lee Jr. (July 4, 1898 – December 12, 1965) was an American singer, dancer and actor known for voicing the role of Br'er Rabbit in Disney's Song of the South (1946)[1] and as the clownish, cringing, tremulous-voiced shyster pseudo-lawyer Algonquin J. Calhoun in the CBS Amos 'n' Andy TV and radio[2] comedy series in the early 1950s. His comedic portrayal of Calhoun was a highlight of a brilliant ensemble cast whose storylines remain eternally funny. Much of his career was spent in vaudeville, but he also performed in motion pictures, on recordings and in television. He released a record (as "Johnnie Lee") in July 1949 called "You Can't Lose A Broken Heart" (Columbia Records # 30172), with backup vocals by The Ebonaires. Lee also starred in an all-black musical comedy called "Sugar Hill" in 1949 at Las Palmas Theatre in California.[3]
He died of a heart attack on December 12, 1965, age 67.[4]
- ^ Thomas S. Hischak, Mark A. Robinson The Disney Song Encyclopedia 2009 p50 "... Ray Gilbert (lyric) for the innovative musical film Song of the South (1946), which successfully mixed animation and live action. During one of the animated Uncle Remus tales, Brer Rabbit (voice of Johnny Lee), captured by Brer Fox and Brer Bear and about to be cooked, happily sings about his secret laughing place. The ploy works; Rabbit's captors let him free..."
- ^ Johnny Lee at Old Time Radio Database Archived 2017-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 9/26/2017
- ^ Propes, Steve; Gart, Galen (2001). L. A. R&B Vocal Groups 1945-1965. Milford, New Hampshire: Big Nickel Publications. ISBN 0-936433-18-3.
- ^ Johnny Lee, biography, retrieved March 2011