ABOUT MARJORY LEE

Marjory Lee is a South Carolina–bred independent artist-songwriter whose versatility blends the Southern roots and charm of her upbringing with the musicality of Nashville and the fun-loving, free-spirited “Key Weirdness” of Key West. Her artistic paradox captivates audiences through striking, soulful vocals reminiscent of Gladys Knight and Amy Winehouse, paired with a light-hearted, often witty stage presence. Whether performing originals or reimagining classics, Marjory Lee has a rare ability to weave her life experiences into her music, creating an instant and genuine connection with any crowd.

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Marjory’s relationship with the stage began early. At just four years old, she made her debut singing “Talk to the Animals” from Doctor Dolittle in a local talent show. From there, she continued performing in everything from talent competitions—complete with rhinestones and fringe—to singing The Star-Spangled Banner at the 1998 opening of the US Open Tennis Tournament, and later performing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” on ABC’s The View.

Still too young to jump rope, Marjory’s uncle enlisted family friend Marlena Smalls—best known as Bubba Gump’s mother in Forrest Gump—to help guide her through both life and music. A powerhouse vocalist, preserver of Gullah culture, and savvy businesswoman, Smalls became a formative mentor. At age twelve, Marjory performed as a guest with Marlena Smalls & The Hallelujah Singers at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Smalls instilled lessons in perseverance that remain foundational to Marjory’s artistry, famously insisting she perform through illness with words that still resonate: “You will get on stage, and you will make it come out.”

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Marjory began piano lessons at age five, but guitar soon became her true passion. At seven, her aunt began dating Grammy Award–winning jazz guitarist Earl Klugh, who offered to buy her first guitar on one condition—that she train classically. That discipline laid the groundwork for her musicianship and songwriting, which Klugh actively encouraged. His mentorship eventually led to Marjory performing at the Earl Klugh Weekend of Jazz at venues such as The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, SC.

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By fifteen, Marjory was performing her own original music. At seventeen, she enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville, earning a Music Business degree with an emphasis on marketing and management. Her career soon expanded through collaborations with Charles English and Teddy Gentry of Alabama, leading to opportunities that included opening for Toby Keith, Rodney Atkins, and Eric Paslay; performing at the Alabama & Friends Festival at Sea; and touring internationally to entertain the Armed Forces in the UK, Germany, Kosovo, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

A BMI writer, Marjory has participated in numerous songwriting festivals including the Key West Songwriters Festival, Tin Pan South, and the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival. Her music has been featured in film and television, with five songs appearing in Lifetime’s Status: Unknown and her song “Runaway” airing on HGTV’s Property Brothers. Since relocating to Key West, she has focused on writing new music and building community-centered performance spaces, including The Sunday Ramble and The Songwriter Speakeasy at the Key West Theater.

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Beyond music, Marjory Lee is deeply committed to community involvement and giving back. In 2024, she was crowned Fantasy Fest Queen, using her platform to raise funds and awareness for the Florida Keys SPCA. Her efforts reflect her belief that music, service, and connection go hand in hand—making her not just a local favorite on stage, but an active force in supporting local charities, artists, and community-building initiatives throughout the Keys.

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Following her EP Bottled Lightning, produced by Teddy Gentry and Charles English, Marjory has returned to the studio in Key West with UK producer Ian Shaw of Warmfuzz Studios. She currently splits her time between Key West and Nashville, performing live, writing new material, and continuing to grow both her artistry and her community impact.

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Follow Marjory Lee on social media for the latest music, tour dates, and island happenings.