Learn about the different facets of Peggy Lee, from her cool jazz hits to her songwriting for 'Lady and the Tramp', as Mo Rocca travels to her childhood home and presents unreleased material. The podcast also explores her versatile talent, personal journey, and her iconic rendition of 'Fever'.
Peggy Lee's unique style and mastery of different genres solidified her status as an icon in the 1950s music scene.
Peggy Lee's captivating live performances and ability to create an intimate atmosphere made her a mesmerizing artist.
Deep dives
Peggy Lee's Background and Early Life
Peggy Lee, born Norma Dolores Eggstrom, found solace in music and radio as a teenager in North Dakota. Discovering her love for black artists like Maxine Sullivan and Louis Armstrong, she pursued a career in singing, catching the attention of Benny Goodman, who helped launch her career as a vocalist. Peggy's unique style, characterized by nuance and minimalism, set her apart as an artist. She achieved commercial success with hits like 'Fever' and her album 'Black Coffee,' while also exploring her songwriting abilities. Peggy's mastery of different genres and her ability to reinvent popular songs solidified her status as an icon in the 1950s music scene.
Peggy Lee's Live Performances and Legacy
Peggy Lee was known for her captivating live performances, mesmerizing audiences with her voice and stage presence. She was meticulous in creating an intimate atmosphere, captivating her listeners by singing softer and softer until they were completely captivated. Although she faced criticism as her voice changed over time, Peggy continued to perform until her health declined in the 1990s. Despite the challenges she faced, Peggy Lee's impact on music and her status as a jazz and pop icon remains undisputed. Her songs, many of which she wrote herself, continue to resonate and evoke emotions in listeners around the world.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Behind the glamour and success, Peggy Lee faced personal struggles and heartbreak throughout her life. She dealt with the trauma of losing her mother at a young age and enduring an abusive stepmother. Her romantic relationships were marked by turmoil and disappointment. Peggy's commitment to her career often left little time for personal fulfillment, leading to a search for love and connection that seemed elusive. Despite these struggles, Peggy Lee found solace in her music, allowing her to express her emotions and connect with her audience.
Peggy Lee's Enduring Influence and Legacy
Peggy Lee's legacy resides in her immense talent, versatility, and the impact she had on the music industry. As one of the first white artists to fully embrace and embody jazz and the black sound, she broke barriers and paved the way for future artists. Her unique vocal style, blending vulnerability with strength, set her apart from her contemporaries. Peggy's songs continue to be celebrated and cherished, and her influence can be seen in the work of subsequent artists. Despite the challenges she faced, Peggy Lee will always be remembered as a true icon and an eternal voice in music.
There were so many different Peggy Lees: The woman who defined cool in the 1950s with songs like "Fever." The songwriter of hits including the score to "Lady and the Tramp." The icon who inspired Miss Piggy, originally named Miss Piggy Lee. (Yes, really.) But all those Peggy Lees can be traced back to the plains of North Dakota, where she endured a painful upbringing and dreamed big. Mo travels with Lee's granddaughter Holly Foster Wells to her childhood home. You'll also hear from biographer Peter Richmond, and hear previously unreleased material recorded by Lee.