Remembering Peggy Lee on her birthday
Lee’s versatility extended beyond singing and she made significant contributions to the film industry, most notably by providing the voice for several characters and co-writing songs for Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955)
Remembering Peggy Lee on her birthday
Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom, came into the world on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, USA. She was the seventh of eight children in a Scandinavian-American family. Her mother died when she was just four years old, and she endured a difficult childhood with an abusive stepmother. Lee found solace and escape in music, developing a passion that would shape her future. Peggy Lee’s early career began with local radio performances in North Dakota. In 1937, she moved to Los Angeles and worked at a Hollywood restaurant, where she was discovered by bandleader Benny Goodman. In 1941, she joined Goodman’s band as the lead vocalist, and her sultry voice quickly made her a star. She recorded several hits with Goodman, including “Somebody Else Is Taking My Place” and the iconic “Why Don’t You Do Right?” which sold over a million copies and established her as a leading singer of the era.
Peggy Lee’s solo career took off in the 1940s and 1950s. She signed with Capitol Records, where she recorded a series of successful singles and albums. Her 1947 hit “Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me),” which she co-wrote, showcased her talent as both a singer and a songwriter. In 1958, she released the album “Fever,” featuring the title track that became one of her signature songs. The song’s minimalist arrangement and Lee’s sultry delivery made it a timeless classic.
Lee’s versatility extended beyond singing. She made significant contributions to the film industry, most notably by providing the voice for several characters and co-writing songs for Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955). Her performance of songs like “He’s a Tramp” further cemented her status as a multi-talented entertainer.
In addition to her musical achievements, Lee was an accomplished actress. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues.” Her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances made her a standout in both music and film.
Lee continued to evolve as an artist throughout her later career. She experimented with various musical styles, including jazz, pop, and blues. Her albums in the 1960s and 1970s, such as “Is That All There Is?” (1969), showcased her ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining her unique style. The title track of this album won her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance, Female.
Despite health challenges in her later years, including diabetes and heart problems, Lee remained active in the music industry. She continued to perform and record, captivating audiences with her enduring talent and charisma.
Peggy Lee passed away on January 21, 2002, in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, at the age of 81. Her death was due to complications from diabetes and a heart attack. Lee’s legacy is marked by her remarkable contributions to music and entertainment. She was a trailblazer for female artists, with a career that spanned six decades and left an indelible impact on the world of music. Her distinctive voice, emotive performances, and timeless songs ensure that Peggy Lee’s influence will be felt for generations to come.
Look back at Peggy Lee performing “The Best Is Yet To Come” on The Ed Sullivan Show, 1962
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