first professional performance
at a local movie house.
1920
sang in a musical at the
Democratic Convention held at the Hotel St. Francis in San Francisco where she was
noticed and hired by musical comedy producer, Will King for his California company.
separated from husband to pursue her career.
1921
appeared in musical revues by Kolb and Dill.
1922
performed in a season of small
time vaudeville after joining the Pantages circuit. performed her 15 minute act called
"Do You Remember One Small Girl A Whole Quartet".
1923
toured in the revue,
"Hitchy-Koo" starring Raymond Hitchcock.
joined the cast of a Shubert revue on Broadway called "Artists And
Models".
1924
Lee begins her prolific
recording career by signing a contract with Pathe-Perfect. she is given a generous amount
of artistic freedom to experiment with both vocal expression and songwriting.
1925
returns to vaudeville on the
big time Keith-Albee circuit.
mid 20's
she meets and marries (?
possibly unofficial) Bob Downey who manages her career and accompanies her on piano.
1926
her ex- husband, Elmer Morse
dies from scarlet fever in Spokane, Wa at the age of 35.
1927
change of record label to
Columbia.
1930
lost her prestigious position
as lead female singer for the Broadway musical, "Simple Simon" starring Ed Wynn.
replaced by Ruth Etting.