Let me tell you a story about Peggy Lee, a legend who graced the stage with her extraordinary talent. About a decade before she passed away, Peggy played a series of gigs in New York City. Even though she was battling breathing issues and declining health, this powerhouse managed to mesmerize her audience, which included big names like Liza Minnelli, k.d. lang, and Madonna. Peggy spoke fondly of Madonna in 1991, saying, “She was a charming person. She even expressed interest in playing me in the movie of my life.”
Madonna’s dream didn’t come true, but now Oscar nominee Michelle Williams is set to take on the role in a biopic about Peggy’s life and her six-decade career in the spotlight. It’s about time! “Peggy’s an unsung heroine,” says Tish Oney, author of Peggy Lee: A Century of Song. “She was a trailblazer for women — she could do so many things incredibly well. She also fought hard for songwriters' rights and was a true advocate for women in the music industry.”
From Jamestown to Stardom
Peggy Lee, originally Norma Egstrom from Jamestown, North Dakota, had a voice that could make angels weep. As she once revealed in her 1989 memoir, Miss Peggy Lee, “I had always sung, even before I could talk.” Her passion for music came from her mother, who tragically passed away when Peggy was just four. Growing up as the sixth of seven children with a hard-drinking father, Peggy faced an abusive stepmother. To escape her troubled home life, she started singing professionally at the tender age of 14, earning money while finding solace in her art.
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Her Breakthrough with Benny Goodman
Peggy’s big break came when big band leader Benny Goodman recognized her immense talent and hired her as his new vocalist at the age of 21. She honed her craft at supper clubs, perfecting that soft, sultry voice that would become her trademark. “She wanted the audience’s full attention,” says Oney. “She discovered that the softer she sang, the more the room would hush in awe.”
After her rise to fame with Benny Goodman's band, Peggy never looked back. Over her illustrious career, she released 59 albums and wrote lyrics for hundreds of the 700 songs she recorded. In 1995, the Grammys honored her legacy with a Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her place in music history.
Peggy’s Impact on Film
Peggy wasn’t just a sensation on the stage; she also made waves on the silver screen. Her acting debut came in 1950, and five years later, her role as an alcoholic blues singer in Pete Kelly’s Blues earned her an Oscar nomination. That’s right—this woman could do it all!
Unfortunately, Peggy’s personal life wasn’t as smooth as her career. In 1943, she married Dave Barbour, a guitarist from Goodman’s band. Together, they composed songs and had a daughter, Nicki. However, Dave’s struggles with alcoholism eventually led to their divorce. “Peggy called him the love of her life,” Oney recalls. Despite three other short-lived marriages, Peggy believed they were meant to be together.
As her health began to decline in her later years, Peggy tried retiring several times. But the stage always called her back. “People tell me how my songs helped them through tough times. That is incredibly rewarding,” she said shortly before her passing in 2002. “It’s my reason for living, my little way of contributing to the hope and happiness of others.”
