Peggy Lee, born in North Dakota in 1920, was an American jazz singer, songwriter, and actress celebrated for her distinctive voice, provocative lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. She began her career singing with Benny Goodman and his orchestra in the 1940s and became a commercially successful solo artist with her hits "Fever" and "Is That All There Is?".
Beyond her achievements as a performer, Peggy Lee stands out as a woman who surpassed the societal expectations of her time. Her trailblazing career and impactful music continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. As we delve into Peggy Lee's life, we will explore her early years, rise to fame, personal life, and her lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Through this comprehensive biography, we will reveal details about Peggy Lee, including her height, figure, and net worth. However, we will not limit ourselves to the quantitative aspects of her life, for Peggy Lee's story goes beyond just numbers. Join us in this journey of discovering Peggy Lee's artistry, courage, and contributions to shaping the soundscape of modern music.
Early Life and Career
Peggy Lee was born on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, USA. She was named Norma Deloris Egstrom at birth but changed her name to Peggy Lee when she became a singer. Her parents were of Swedish and Norwegian descent and experienced financial difficulties during her childhood.
Despite their struggles, they instilled a love of music in Peggy from a young age. She learned to sing and play the piano and guitar, often singing in church and at school events. At the age of 17, she married a man named Dave Barbour and moved to California to pursue a career in music.
Her career began as a vocalist with several big bands, including Benny Goodman's orchestra in the early 1940s. She became known for her smooth, sultry voice and was often compared to Billie Holiday. She eventually began recording her own solo albums, including the hit "Fever" in 1958. Peggy Lee continued to perform and record music throughout her life, becoming a legend in the jazz world.
Peggy Lee: Breakthrough and Success
Peggy Lee began her music career as a singer for Benny Goodman's big band in 1941. Her unique voice and style quickly gained popularity, and her breakout hit "Why Don't You Do Right?" became a chart-topping success. This marked the start of Lee's successful solo career. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Peggy Lee released hit after hit, earning a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. She was known for her sultry voice and sophisticated performances, and her collaborations with jazz legends such as Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones cemented her status as one of the most influential singers of her time. In addition to her music career, Peggy Lee was also an accomplished songwriter, penning hits such as "He's a Tramp" for the Disney film Lady and the Tramp. Her talent and hard work paid off, as she was honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. Despite health issues in her later years, Peggy Lee remained active in music until her passing in 2002 at the age of 81. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike, making her one of the most enduring and beloved figures in the world of music.Peggy Lee's Legacy and Contributions to Music
Peggy Lee's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. Throughout her career, she established herself as both a talented singer and songwriter, leaving an indelible mark on American music.
One of Lee's most significant contributions was her ability to infuse meaning and emotion into every song she performed. Her sultry, intimate voice captivated audiences, and her unique phrasing and timing set her apart from other singers of her time. She was known for her ability to convey complex emotions through her performances, leaving listeners feeling as though they had truly experienced the heart of the song.
In addition to her singing talents, Lee was also an accomplished songwriter. She wrote lyrics for many of her own songs, as well as for other artists, and her work was often praised for its clever wordplay and poetic use of language.
Lee's influence on the music industry continued long after her death. Her music has been covered by countless artists across various genres, and her signature style has inspired generations of performers. She was a true pioneer in the world of music, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
- Established herself as a talented singer and songwriter
- Infused meaning and emotion into every song she performed
- Known for her unique phrasing and timing
- An accomplished songwriter in her own right
- Inspired countless artists across various genres
- A true pioneer in the world of music
Personal Life and Relationships
Peggy Lee was married four times in her life, but her first and longest-lasting marriage was to guitarist and composer Dave Barbour. The couple met in 1943 while performing together on a radio show and were married the following year. Together they had a daughter named Nicki, who went on to become a successful singer in her own right.
Unfortunately, Lee's marriage to Barbour was plagued with alcoholism and infidelity, and the couple eventually divorced in 1951. Lee would go on to marry three more times, to actor Brad Dexter, percussionist Jack Del Rio, and finally, textile executive Jack Rose.
Lee was also known to have had many high-profile romances throughout her career, including with Frank Sinatra and actor Robert Preston.
Despite her rocky personal life, Lee was often praised for her professionalism and commitment to her music, which remained a constant throughout her life.
Net Worth and Achievements
Peggy Lee had an impressive career that spanned decades and involved a variety of accomplishments. Not only was she a successful singer and songwriter, but she was also an actress and composer for films and television shows.
In terms of her net worth, it has been estimated that Peggy Lee was worth around $20 million at the time of her death in 2002. This was largely due to the success of her music career, which included numerous hit songs and albums.
One of Peggy Lee's most significant achievements was being the first female artist to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. She received this nomination in 1956 for her song "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" from the film of the same name.
Peggy Lee was also recognized for her contributions to the music industry with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. This award was given to her in recognition of her distinctive voice and innovative approach to music. Additionally, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Estimated net worth: $20 million
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1956
- Received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999
FAQ
Who is Peggy Lee and what is her net worth?
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress who had a net worth of approximately $20 million at the time of her death in 2002.
What were Peggy Lee's biggest hits?
Peggy Lee's biggest hits included "Fever", "Why Don't You Do Right?", "Is That All There Is?", "He's a Tramp", and "Golden Earrings". She had a career spanning over six decades and recorded more than 600 songs.
What was Peggy Lee's height and figure?
Peggy Lee was 5' 6" (167.6 cm) tall. She had a slender figure with measurements of 34-22-34.
What was Peggy Lee's personal life like?
Peggy Lee was married four times and had one daughter. She struggled with health problems throughout her life, including diabetes and heart disease. She was also involved in several legal battles over royalties and rights to her music.
What was Peggy Lee's impact on the music industry?
Peggy Lee was a trailblazing musician who broke down barriers for women in the music industry. She wrote many of her own songs and was one of the first female artists to have her own record label. Her unique vocal style and sophisticated songwriting influenced a generation of musicians and her music continues to be celebrated today.
