This day (January 21, 2002), in Los Angeles, California, died Norma Deloris Egstrom a.k.a. Peggy Lee, an American jazz and popular music singer.
Tracklist :
1 . Is That All There Is? (1969)
2 . Peggy Lee And Toots Thielemans – Makin’Whoopee
3 . w/ Petula Clark – Wedding Bell Blues
4 . Why Don’T You Do Right
5 . Manana (1950)
6 . w/ Andy Williams – St Louis Blues
7 . Fever
8 . Big Spender
Tracklist :
Fever . Happy Holiday . He’s a Tramp . Why Don’t You Do Right . Johnny Guitar . Winter Wonderland . Black Coffee . It’s A Good Day . I’m A Woman . Big Spender .
Early Life and Beginnings
Peggy Lee, born Norma Delores Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota, in 1920, endured a tumultuous childhood marked by frequent relocations.
After losing her mother at the age of four, she lived with an alcoholic father and a violent stepmother who once struck her with a cast-iron skillet.
Despite these hardships, Peggy found solace in music, performing in her high school dance band and hosting a local 15-minute radio show paid in meals by a restaurant sponsor.
She moved to California in 1937, working as a waitress while pursuing a music career, eventually developing her signature “sultry purr” singing style while performing at the Dollhouse in Palm Springs.
Her big break came when she began performing at the Buttery Room in Chicago, where Benny Goodman discovered her in 1941.
Success with Benny Goodman
Peggy joined Benny Goodman’s band in August 1941, recording hits such as “Elmer’s Tune,” “Somebody Else’s Taking My Place,” and the million-selling “Why Don’t You Do Right.”
Her time with Goodman included appearances in films like *Stage Door Canteen* and *The Powers Girl*, but strict band rules prohibited relationships between members.
Peggy fell in love with guitarist Dave Barbour, leading to his dismissal and her departure from the band in 1943. The couple married shortly afterward.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Initially retiring to focus on family life, Peggy resumed her career, signing with Capitol Records and producing hits like “Waiting for the Train to Come In,” “It’s a Good Day,” and “Mañana.”
In the early 1950s, she joined Decca Records, releasing her iconic album *Black Coffee* and starring in *The Jazz Singer* remake.
She collaborated with Disney for *Lady and the Tramp*, co-writing songs and voicing characters, including Peg, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Peggy returned to Capitol Records, recording a wide range of material, including her legendary rendition of “Fever” in 1958, featuring her own minimalist arrangement.
Personal Life and Legal Battles
Peggy’s personal life included a close bond with her music director, Mike Renzi, and admiration for artists like Ray Charles and Billie Holiday, whom she could imitate but never copied.
In 1987, she sued Disney over VHS royalties for *Lady and the Tramp*, ultimately winning $2.3 million in 1992 for breach of contract.
Her performance style often focused on connecting with individual audience members, reflecting her belief in shared human intelligence.
Later Years and Legacy
Despite health challenges, Peggy continued performing into the 1990s, sometimes appearing in a wheelchair.
She passed away in 2002 at the age of 81 due to complications from diabetes and a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of over 1,100 songs, including 270 she co-wrote.
Peggy Lee’s ability to channel her personal experiences into emotionally resonant performances solidified her as a timeless icon in the world of music.
Photo : Metrix X