Peggy Lee

Biography

Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, overcame a difficult childhood marked by the early loss of her mother and an abusive stepmother. Music became her refuge, and she began performing with local bands and on radio stations before moving to Chicago, where her talent was discovered by bandleader Benny Goodman. Joining Goodman’s orchestra in the early 1940s, Lee gained national attention with hits like “Why Don’t You Do Right?” and quickly became known for her sultry, understated vocal style that set her apart in the worlds of jazz, pop, and swing.[1][2][3][5][9]

Throughout her seven-decade career, Lee evolved into a multifaceted artist: a Grammy-winning singer, prolific songwriter, actress, and even a painter and poet. She co-wrote and performed songs for Disney’s 'Lady and the Tramp,' voiced several characters in the film, and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in 'Pete Kelly’s Blues.' Lee’s sophisticated approach to music, blending jazz, blues, and pop with poetic lyricism, influenced generations of artists and earned her the title 'Queen of American pop music.' She recorded over 1,100 songs, co-wrote more than 270, and was instrumental in setting legal precedents for artist royalties. Lee passed away on January 21, 2002, in Bel Air, California, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.[2][3][4][6]

Fun Facts

• Peggy Lee co-wrote and performed all the female voices (including the Siamese cats and Peg the dog) in Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp.'[3][4]
• She successfully sued Disney for royalties from videocassette sales of 'Lady and the Tramp,' setting a legal precedent for artists' rights.[4]
• Lee recorded over 1,100 songs and co-wrote more than 270 during her career, making her one of the most prolific female songwriters of her era.[3]
• She was known for her minimalist, intimate vocal style, often singing softly to draw listeners in, a technique that influenced generations of jazz and pop singers.[2][6]

Associated Acts

• The Benny Goodman Sextet - lead vocals

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Benny Goodman - Discovered Lee in Chicago and hired her as lead vocalist for his orchestra, launching her national career. (Recordings with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, including 'Why Don’t You Do Right?') [1941–1943]

Key Collaborators

• Dave Barbour - Guitarist, songwriter, and Lee's first husband; co-wrote many songs and performed together. (Numerous Capitol Records singles and albums; co-wrote 'Mañana (Is Soon Enough for Me)') [1943–1951]
• Disney Studios - Co-wrote songs and voiced characters for the animated film 'Lady and the Tramp.' ('Lady and the Tramp' (1955)) [1955]
• Quincy Jones - Collaborated as songwriter and arranger. (Various songwriting and arranging projects) [1960s–1970s]
• Johnny Mercer - Collaborated as co-writer and performer. (Various songwriting projects) [1940s–1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Diana Krall - Cites Lee as a major influence on her vocal style and repertoire. (Covers of Lee's songs, jazz vocal albums) [1990s–present]
• Norah Jones - Inspired by Lee’s intimate, understated vocal delivery. (Jazz-influenced pop albums) [2000s–present]
• k.d. lang - Has covered Lee’s songs and acknowledged her stylistic influence. (Tribute performances, jazz/pop recordings) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Fever (Things Are Swingin')
2. La La Lu
3. Fever
4. Till There Was You - Remastered 1995 (Latin Ala Lee)
5. Sweet Happy Life (Guitars A La Lee)
6. Hallelujah, I Love Him So (Ultimate Peggy Lee)
7. Fever (Great Ladies Of Song / Spotlight On Peggy Lee)
8. Ain't We Got Fun (Jump For Joy)
9. Johnny Guitar (The Fabulous Peggy Lee)
10. Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #adult-standards, #big-band, #blues