Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 – January 18, 2002) was an American jazz and popular music singer whose career spanned seven decades, establishing her as one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Born Norma Deloris Egstrom in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, she began singing at age three and later moved to Chicago during the Great Depression. Lee's career took off when she joined Benny Goodman's orchestra in 1941, performing the hit 'Why Don't You Do Right?'. Her signature song 'Fever' (1958) became one of the most recognizable recordings in popular music history, showcasing her sophisticated, breathy vocal style. Beyond her music career, Lee was a pioneering voice actress, most famously providing the voice of Darling and other characters in Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp' (1955). She won Grammy Awards, was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, and performed internationally throughout her life. Lee was also an accomplished songwriter, composer, and musician. Her influence extends across jazz, pop, and film music, and she is remembered as a pioneer who defied gender constraints in the entertainment industry, maintaining creative control over her work and collaborating with the era's greatest musicians and composers.