Miss Peggy Lee: Reprising Smooth Perfection

Today is the birthday of singer, songwriter, and actress, Peggy Lee (1920-2002). While most singers chose to go loud she went rich, seductive, and stylish. Her method caught the eye and ear of bandleader Benny Goodman in 1941 and for the next five decades she wrapped songs in her personality, warmth, and intimacy for millions of fans.

Lee publicity portrait from 1950

With a sophisticated style cast into her roles as singer, lyricist, composer, and actor it's easy to see why Lee was always introduced to audiences as "Miss Peggy Lee." And it's no wonder that such an "in charge" personality could become the model for one of the most beloved characters in television history. That the character is none other than a Muppet may surprise you. It is a story of caricature, humor, reverence, and unexpected fame. Read about it here in this brief Smithsonian Magazine interview. 

Here is the song that made her famous:

And here is Lee in a 1957 performance that really captures the essence of her talent. Of course it always helps to have a Jerome Kern melody with a rich Nelson Riddle arrangement performed by the Riddle orchestra:

   

More than a decade after her death her recordings can be heard regularly on jazz and popular music stations and channels around the world. That's all there is!

Sources

Photos and Illustrations:
public domain publicity photo

Text:
Peggy Lee, wikipedia.org