The trailblazing Peggy lee

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Peggy Lee (1920-2002), known for such hits as "Fever" and "Is That All There Is," demonstrated an alluring command over an audience with her sultry voice and precise stagecraft. Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with biographer Peter Richmond and with Lee's granddaughter, Holly Foster-Wells, about the singer's artistry, and her rise from a painful childhood in North Dakota, to becoming a leading writer and vocalist of jazz, pop and torch songs. (This story was originally broadcast on February 6, 2022.)

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[RalphEwell-so]

Her talent is proven to be stronger as time goes by.

[sonofroderick]

She was performing with the big bands in the 1940's. I'm 61 and she was gorgeous and i loved to see her when she would perform on TV in the 60's 70's

[wanderinggeri]

To have a wonderful granddaughter that loves and speaks so beautifully about you when you”re gone …that has to mean more to Peggy Lee than any of her accomplishments when alive.

[D__Lee]

“Cool, but never cold” is the best description of Peggy Lee.

[jimmybuffet]

Her granddaughter looks almost EXACTLY like her!

[Jasonstreamline]

Peggy Lee was one of the absolute best vocalists ever.

[craigathonian]

i remember when i was first introduced to Peggy Lee. It was 1982 and i was a college student in Manhattan who was a punk rocker lover, but when a PL fan named Nelson turned me on to her, i was mesmerized by her voice and have been a fan ever since. The epitome of being an elegant lady, that's Peggy Lee ❣

[mikemike]

Peggy Lee was the gateway to great music for me. When I was 12, I only listened to pop music - then happened to hear my friend's dad listening to Fever. I was hooked right away. The next day I went through all Peggy Lee records in his collection and then discovered other great jazz artists. I was soon enthralled by bluegrass, folk, blues, rock'n'roll and Algerian rai. My sincerest thanks to the heavenly Peggy Lee for my discovery of the multitude of music that exists as well as setting off my own journey into playing instruments.

[temureviewer]

Her voice never changed she always had that buttery smooth tone to it I've been a fan since I was little. I wanted to be like her

[aquajuwel]

I’m Norwegian and is related to her, her mother was Norwegian American and her father Swedish American. I think she got the music gene from her mother, many relatives here is very musical. She must have been a strong character getting out of that abusive childhood. Her talent was a blessing.

[xavierminchello]

I WAS A TEEN WHEN SHE HAD THE HIT “IF THATS ALL THERE IS” 1970! WOW ALL THE TEENS IN MY HOOD LOVED IT! WE PLAYED IT AND SANG IT! SO COOL! LOVED WHEN SHE WON A GRAMMY THAT YEAR!

[MsLindarae]

I saw her live in NYC in 1971. That song “is that all there is” was so powerful.

[thisis.michelletorres]

I love Mo's reporting, he's such an emersed interviewer, that genuine curiosity, awe and respect he has going in creates great work!

[goinxnginx]

Peggy Lee was even more versatile than illustrated....She could really belt when it was called for in live performances and in a few recorded songs. She had so much vocal power that she rarely used, but it was there when required. Peggy Lee was absolutely amazing.

[larrysouthern]

She was an ICON of American music 🎵
Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee were eerily close in their delivery...

[Seabasstien]

Love that Folks who Live on the Hill is her favorite song. Her version is mesmerizing.

[ddd]

Wow! Heard of her, knew the song “Fever” but never really knew anything about her. Thank you for this story of a woman whose songs we should all know.

[horseygurl]

When I was a young teenager, I remember my parents getting all gussied up one Saturday night in Kansas City to go to a Peggy Lee concert at some fancy club. I wanted to go, because I loved "Is That All There Is?" and "Fever, " but my parents told me I was too young! They had a blast and I have always LOVED Peggy Lee!!! Loved seeing this!!!

[maryannkochanski]

I’m old enough to Remember Peggy Lee. She has a velvet voice! And very cool person!

[mikeletaurus]

Miss Lee's voice can move me to tears of rapture. She made life more worth living, despite and amidst the hardship and heartache each one of us experience. You have our thanks and gratitude, Miss Lee.