Peggy Lee

Early Life

Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, was the seventh of eight children in a Lutheran family. Her father, Marvin Olaf Egstrom, worked as a station agent for the Midland Continental Railroad, and her mother, Selma Emele, was of Norwegian descent. After her mother passed away when Lee was just four years old, her father remarried. Lee's early exposure to music began in her youth, where she sang in a college dance band and later on local radio stations, eventually leading to her first professional performance on KOVC radio in 1936.

Career

Lee's career took off in the 1940s when she joined Benny Goodman’s orchestra, where she gained fame with hits like "Why Don't You Do Right?" which sold over a million copies. Her marriage to guitarist Dave Barbour in 1943 marked a significant personal and professional turning point, as she initially intended to leave the spotlight to focus on family. However, her talent could not remain dormant for long, and she continued to produce a string of successful albums, including "Fever" and "Black Coffee." Over her seven-decade career, Lee became known for her unique blend of jazz and pop music, earning numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lee was married four times, with her only child, Nicki Lee Foster, born in 1943. She was also known for her advocacy of Transcendental Meditation. Lee's influence extended beyond music; she is often credited with inspiring the Margarita cocktail after a trip to Mexico. Her legacy includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a hybrid tea rose named in her honor. Lee's contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark, making her a beloved figure in American entertainment until her passing in 2002.