Peggy Lee

Date of Birth: May 26, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: January 21, 2002

Biography

Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota. Lee’s music career began in the late 1930s, and she quickly rose to fame with her distinctive, sultry voice and sophisticated style. She achieved her first major hit with “Why Don’t You Do Right?” in 1942, while singing with Benny Goodman’s orchestra. This success launched her into stardom, and she went on to record numerous chart-topping hits, including “Fever,” “Is That All There Is?” and “Big Spender.” Lee was also known for her work in films, most notably for her contributions to the 1955 Disney animated feature, “Lady and the Tramp,” in which she co-wrote songs and provided voices for several characters. Throughout her career, she received multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Peggy Lee passed away on January 21, 2002, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of music.

5 Interesting Facts about Peggy Lee

1. Peggy Lee wrote or co-wrote over 270 songs during her career.

2. She was one of the first artists to conceptualize the idea of an “album” as a cohesive piece of art, rather than just a collection of singles.

3. In addition to her singing career, Lee was an accomplished actress, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 1955 film “Pete Kelly’s Blues.”

4. Peggy Lee was a pioneer for women in the music industry, often negotiating her own contracts and maintaining creative control over her work.

5. She was a lifelong advocate for animal rights and often included messages about animal welfare in her music and public appearances.