In the golden age of radio, few voices captivated audiences quite like Peggy Lee. Born Norma Deloris Egstrom in the small towns of North Dakota, she would become a transformative figure in American music, radio, and entertainment, bridging the worlds of big band, jazz, and popular music with her distinctive sultry style.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Peggy Lee's journey began in the harsh landscape of rural North Dakota, where she was born on May 26, 1920, as the seventh of eight children. Her early life was marked by hardship; her mother passed away when Lee was just four years old, and she was raised by her father and stepmother in various small towns along the railroad. Music became Lee's escape and passion from a young age. In Wimbledon, she began singing with a six-piece college dance band, traveling to various locations on weekends. Her professional singing career started remarkably early when she first sang on radio in 1936, initially earning her salary in food from a local restaurant sponsorship. A pivotal moment came in October 1937 when radio personality Ken Kennedy discovered her and not only put her on the air but also changed her name from Norma Egstrom to Peggy Lee. This moment marked the beginning of her transformation from a small-town girl to a national radio and music sensation.
Breaking into Professional Radio and Music
Lee's unique approach to performance emerged during her early days performing at The Doll House in California. Faced with a noisy crowd, she developed her trademark sultry, soft singing style. As she famously recalled, "The more noise they made, the more softly I sang" . This innovative technique would become her signature throughout her career. Her big break came when she was noticed by legendary bandleader Benny Goodman. In August 1941, she joined his orchestra and made her first recording. By 1942, she had her first top ten hit with "Somebody Else Is Taking My Place", followed by "Somebody Else Is Taking My Place" in 1943, which sold over a million copies and catapulted her to fame.
Radio and Multimedia Career
Lee's radio career was distinguished by her versatility and innovation. In 1948, she became a host of the Chesterfield Supper Club, a popular musical program. She was a regular on various radio shows during the late 1940s and early 1950s, showcasing her remarkable vocal range and interpretative skills. Beyond radio, Lee expanded her talents into acting and songwriting. She starred in films like Pete Kelly's Blues (1955), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and provided voices for multiple characters in Disney's Lady and the Tramp (1955). Notably, she co-wrote all the original songs for the film, including the memorable "He's A Tramp".
Legacy and Influence
Peggy Lee's impact on American music was profound. She was nominated for 13 Grammy Awards and won in 1969 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Her innovative approach to music crossed genre boundaries, influencing artists like k.d. lang, Bette Midler, and Elvis Costello. Her legacy extends beyond music. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 and received numerous honors, including the North Dakota Rough Rider Award and the ASCAP Pied Piper Award. In 2020, to commemorate her 100th birthday, the Grammy Museum hosted a panel discussion celebrating her extraordinary career.
Personal Life and Final Years
Lee was married four times, with each marriage ending in divorce. She had one daughter, Nicki Lee Foster, born in 1943. Despite health challenges, she continued performing into the 1990s, sometimes using a wheelchair. She passed away on January 21, 2002, at the age of 81, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- The Chesterfield Supper Club (1948)
- Various radio shows (late 1940s-early 1950s)
Television
- The Guy Mitchell Show
- What's My Line?
Films
- Stage Door Canteen
- The Jazz Singer
- Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- Pete Kelly's Blues (1955)
Notable Albums
- Black Coffee
- Is That All There Is?
- Bridge Over Troubled Water
Peggy Lee's journey from a small North Dakota town to becoming the "Queen of American Pop Music" remains an inspiring testament to talent, innovation, and perseverance.
