Who Is Peggy Lee? Age, Biography and Wiki
Peggy Lee, born on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, remains an iconic figure in the music industry even decades after her passing in 2002. With a career that spanned over six decades, she was renowned for her captivating voice and innovative style, which seamlessly blended jazz, pop, and traditional American music. Lee's extensive discography includes timeless hits such as "Fever" and "Is That All There Is?", showcasing her uncanny ability to evoke deep emotions through her music. As of 2025, she would have been 105 years old.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1920 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Jamestown, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 21 January, 2002 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Peggy Lee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Peggy Lee stood approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall. Throughout her life, she maintained a slim physique and commanded attention with her elegant presence. While her exact weight fluctuated over the years, her commitment to her craft and artistic expression transcended mere measurements, allowing her to leave a lasting imprint on the world of music.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Peggy Lee's personal life was as fascinating as her career. She had been married twice: first to musician Dave Barbour, and later to actor and producer Brad Dexter. Additionally, she had a significant relationship with jazz legend Quincy Jones. Lee's relationships often intertwined with her music, and her experiences undoubtedly influenced her songwriting and performance.
Her family were Lutherans. Her father was Swedish-American and her mother was Norwegian-American. After her mother died when Lee was four, her father married Minnie Schaumberg Wiese. His family's original name was Ekström.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2002, Peggy Lee's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. Adjusted for inflation, her legacy continues to be financially significant, thanks to her extensive musical catalog, which still bears royalties today. Lee's influence on both music and culture ensures her status as an enduring icon in the entertainment industry.
Lee first sang professionally over KOVC radio in Valley City, North Dakota, in 1936. She later had her own 15-minute Saturday radio show sponsored by a local restaurant that paid her salary in food. Both during and after her high-school years, Lee sang for small sums on local radio stations.
Career, Business and Investments
Peggy Lee's career was not solely confined to her role as a singer. Beyond her numerous chart-topping albums and singles, she was also an accomplished songwriter and actress, appearing in various films throughout her lifetime. Lee's pioneering spirit led her to take control of her artistic direction, even venturing into the realms of business with her own music production company. Her impact on music and her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes solidified her status as a power player in the industry.
Norma Deloris Egstrom (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002), known professionally as Peggy Lee, was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spanned seven decades.
From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, Lee created a sophisticated persona, writing music for films, acting, and recording conceptual record albums combining poetry and music. Called the "Queen of American pop music", Lee recorded more than 1,100 masters and co-wrote over 270 songs.
Social Network
Peggy Lee’s legacy continues to flourish on social media platforms, where fans and followers celebrate her music and artistry. While she wasn't alive to engage in modern social networks, her fans have created numerous tribute pages and groups across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where they share her performances and discuss her influence on contemporary artists.
While performing at The Doll House, Lee met Frank Bering, the owner of the Ambassador East and West in Chicago. He offered her a gig at the Buttery Room, a nightclub in the Ambassador Hotel West. There, she was noticed by bandleader Benny Goodman.
According to Lee: "Benny's then-fiancée, Lady Alice Duckworth, came into the Buttery, and she was very impressed. So the next evening, she brought Benny in, because they were looking for a replacement for Helen Forrest. And although I didn't know, I was it. He was looking at me strangely, I thought, but it was just his preoccupied way of looking.
I thought that he didn't like me at first, but it just was that he was preoccupied with what he was hearing." She joined his band in August 1941 and made her first recording, singing "Elmer's Tune". Lee stayed with the Benny Goodman Orchestra for two years.
Education
While specific details about Peggy Lee's formal education are limited, it is known that she was largely self-taught in her musical pursuits. Raised in a modest family, her early love for music inspired her to hone her craft, eventually leading her to become one of the most celebrated female vocalists of her time. Lee frequently cited life experiences and passion for music as her most significant educators.
Lee and her family lived in several towns along the Midland Continental Railroad (Jamestown, Nortonville and Wimbledon). She graduated from Wimbledon High School in 1937.
Conclusion
Peggy Lee’s remarkable journey remains a testament to her artistic genius and ability to connect with audiences across generations. Although she passed away in 2002, her legacy continues to thrive, inspiring new artists and captivating fans around the world. As we step into 2025, Peggy Lee's contributions to music endure, celebrating her as an everlasting icon in the annals of entertainment history.
