Collection: PEGGY LEE: THE JAZZ HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS

Peggy Lee, born Norma Deloris Egstrom in Jamestown, North Dakota, rose from challenging beginnings to become one of the 20th century's most sophisticated and enduring vocalists, songwriters, and actresses. Renowned for her cool, minimalist delivery and intimate phrasing, she masterfully navigated jazz, pop, and big band genres across a remarkable career spanning nearly six decades.

Her professional journey ignited in the early 1940s as the featured singer with Benny Goodman's orchestra. Her smoky, defining rendition of "Why Don't You Do Right?" became a major hit, establishing her distinctive sound and launching a prolific solo career. Lee cultivated an almost conversational style, achieving iconic status with hits like the sultry "Fever," the Grammy-winning existential ballad "Is That All There Is?," and the playful "Manana (Is Soon Enough for Me)."

Beyond her instantly recognizable voice, Lee was a highly accomplished songwriter, penning or co-penning hundreds of songs, including standards like "It's a Good Day" and "I Don't Know Enough About You." Her versatility extended to Hollywood; she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Pete Kelly's Blues (1955) and memorably voiced multiple characters (including Peg) and co-wrote songs for Disney's animated classic Lady and the Tramp (1955).

Recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Peggy Lee's influence is undeniable. She remains celebrated for her impeccable timing, subtle emotional depth, and the unique power of her understatement, cementing her legacy as a true icon of American popular music.