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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[@D__Lee]

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

[@RalphEwell-s5o]

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

[@jimmybuffet4970]

Her granddaughter looks almost EXACTLY like her!

[@cate1657]

So, question: how does someone look "almost" exactly like....one either does or doesn't look exactly like....

[@Jasonstreamline]

Peggy Lee was one of the absolute best vocalists ever.

[@ancal7573]

I have to agree with this statement

[@wanderinggeri8477]

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.

[@sonofroderick4255]

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

[@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.

[@NellieKAdaba]

👍🏿

[@22mikemike]

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.

[@xavierminchello8431]

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!

[@temureviewer33]

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

[@bradyryan5105]

Oh definitely. Till her dying day, she still sounded like her younger self

[@MsLindarae]

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

[@nspector]

Oh my God, it must have been. Wow.

[@aquajuwel7098]

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.

[@larrysouthern5098]

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

[@williamhoffman7009]

I never thought of that - but how right you are,.

[@direfranchement]

Vocally Billie and Peggy have very little in common other than that both of them had rather small voices and didn't scat. Billie was all feeling and warmth. Peggy was cool. Their approach to lyric and rhythm are completely different. No one links Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday.

[@thomasopdahl1873]

@@direfranchement William Hoffman does. And that is ok. You don't have to.

[@ria1636]

@@direfranchement Rather small voices is not how I would describe Billie Holliday or Peggy Lee!

[@TheLillianYoung]

I noticed that too. I’ve honestly not heard of Peggy Lee until now although I’ve heard her popular songs in pop culture. Watching this, I was reminded of Billie Holiday.

[@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 ❣

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

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

[@rebeccaroseland7931]

Peggy Lee’s granddaughter favors her

[@mollieanne]

Oh my gosh, she looks just like her grandma, gorgeous.

[@johnnystir9796]

I absolutely love Mo Rocca's reports.

[@jeffbassin630]

Peggy Lee was and is a brilliant singer and songwriter!

[@cciccone61]

I was watching the making of the Siamese Cats song and here I am. I remembered her being my mom’s favorite. Beautiful.

[@horseygurl143]

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!!!

[@margo3367]

They should have taken you.

[@horseygurl143]

@@margo3367 Thanks! I agree!

[@maryannkochanski5777]

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

[@stevekonbass]

Fever, a simple but genius bass line.

[@Seabasstien]

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

[@d2d2d28]

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.

[@steveflor9942]

I love all "versions" of Peggy Lee. Recognition richly deserved. An excellent tribute.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me too

[@jerrijobarkerlove3613]

I've watched this before but def worth a re-watch.

[@mikeletaurus4728]

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.

[@Catlady77777]

Peggy is immortalized in her mysterious, smoky music.

[@Nighthawk-8050]

Peggy Lee . This lady was the ultimate cool back in the day

[@NJ-Cathie]

Peggy Lee has impeccable timing.

[@gailwebb9619]

She was fabulous.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

PEGGY WAS AND FOREVER WILL BE A STAND ALONE JAZZ, BALLAD AND POP GODDESS‼️. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rubyredd6366]

Love her! 💃 What a beautiful resilient talent woman with incredible grace and style! One of the greats then and now; her music will live on til the end of time! Her granddaughter resembles her! What a lovely snip it of her life! Rest In Your Glory Ms. Peggy Lee! 💜

[@ashleygreen6277]

In my opinion, what made Peggy Lee such a great singer was that she was a great artist. She brought the mindset of an artist to her singing. Not just any artist, but a great and innovative artist who could be bold and subtle at the same time.

[@francanino6865]

Beautiful story from Mrs. Peggy Lee, whom I always admired even in my 50's now.... Her voice is so unique and relaxing to listen to. And documentary today by Mr. Mo Rocca, what is NOT to like?? Thanks! "What a dog!" lol

[@RaymondHng]

*Miss* Peggy Lee.

[@BethCampbell-b9c]

Boy her granddaughter sure looks like her! Wow! Such beauties!

[@1600raymond]

This is just so amazing I just got finished watching the story and I think she has such a beautiful unique voice.

[@mathewmcgill6266]

I loved Peggy Lee.

[@MLStanleyK]

There's nobody today on the level as was PEGGY LEE!!! I remember when I was a kid hearing "Fever" & "Is That All There Is?" So cool....so Hip......so Smooth.....such Heart!!! Thanks to her lovely Grandaughter for this and.....THANK YOU PEGGY LEE!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Love Mo Rocca, always does an amazing job with anything he does. He and Anthony Mason are our go to guys, no one out there can do what these two gentlemen can. Not even close. #justsayin🎧

[@1006kathleen]

MS Peggy Lee was my favorite singer growing up , such a smooth beautiful voice and she knew how to use it .Priceless & class 💖

[@cynthiacopland8634]

Is this a rerun? I’m having Deja Vu! Fantastic tribute to a beautiful legend 🥰

[@thomasopdahl1873]

yes

[@buffalochic1974]

Love, love, love Peggy Lee.

[@la7079]

"She had the philosphy Less is More" what a wise woman!!

[@natalechkalevkovich3987]

Как хороша...Красотка, прекрасная принцесса...

[@cadicorniche]

The sexiest singer who ever lived. Period. Full stop.

[@edithlazenby5839]

Love her and her music..thank u!!❤️🎶🎶🎶

[@GoldFeather123]

Peggy Lee's sister Della and her husband were my neighbors in California!! They were very nice people. My mom and Dad and us kids would spend a many days and nights around the pool. Great memories ❤

[@fullplate100]

The original tempo to "Fever" is MUCH brighter than I would've ever thought.

[@lorilori3]

Great story about a true music legend!

[@vbplayer50]

Legend...........that's the word for Peggy Lee. She was brilliant!

[@rdo1231]

wow!

[@sharonmickey4566]

My dads favorite female singer... RIP dad... I love you.

[@AidanCasserlyHome]

Amazing review. Absolutely loved seeing her early life and her development. Astonishing Peggy

[@angelinalozada189]

Always loved Peggy Lee's Music. Thank You.

[@kattiethomas4687]

Love this woman's singing all my early childhood .🤩

[@chrispnw2547]

Alcoholism is a severe problem in our society. While it serves as a nullifier of pain, it also destroys families when abused. My father drank daily in his teens and only stopped when his body gave out. Throughout those years, he was distant, controlling, and wanted caring but could not offer it. He refused to look inside and examine himself but he was great at dictating to others. While I had empathy for his illness, to be around him was a slow poisoning of spirit. @8:56 resonated with me as it encapsulated so well what happens when you live in a home with an alcoholic and enablers. To flee appears to be the only choice however you always look back wondering could it have been different.

[@naturesfriend812]

Swept away always by Peggy Lee's songs. Frying pan smacking the head of a child by adult...my mom's story by a step parent.

[@graveyg]

Excellent report. Mo Rocca and the professionals behind the camera should get Emmys for this one. Really well done.

[@AtlantaGymFan]

I loved her voice … silky and perfect

[@natalechkalevkovich3987]

Нежна, обаятельна, женственна...она- прекрасна!❤

[@janyceparks8326]

I loved her music.

[@StatsJedi]

I know I saw this exact same segment before. Thank you for re-releasing it.

[@cynthiacopland8634]

Me, too! Is this a rerun? I know I’ve seen this before on Sunday Morning.

[@ahcdiva1]

Congratulations to Mo Rocca and Holly Foster Wells-this is one of the best features on the great Peggy Lee anywhere. And it is also one of my favorite segments you've ever done, out of the countless portraits on artists I've seen on CBS Sunday Morning. Bravo to you two and to one of the finest, most uplifting shows in America.

[@birdsfan57]

Peggy Lee and "Old Cape Cod"...two of my, and my late mother's " favorites"...when one needed REAL talent to be annointed A SUPERSTAR...

[@akrenwinkle]

That was Patti Page.

[@birdsfan57]

@@akrenwinkle Yes, it was...so sorry for the mix up...

[@akrenwinkle]

Understandable. Both blonds, kind of dreamy style.

[@d.virgallito3490]

I never had anyone who wanted to grow old with me, but I have had numerous angels by my side, all women!

[@wanderinggeri8477]

Did you not have anyone that wanted that or did you not want that with those that did?

[@Papin47]

Brilliant indeed!

[@acme.videos]

Peggy Lee is so deserving of this bio feature story, she was the original Diva! 😌

[@andyroo9381]

She is mesmerizing.

[@thekaerichtexas]

Wow. Heardb9f her name but never took the time to research her other delvebinto the history. She had an amazing voice, very chill and soulful

[@pacrimco]

Peggy Lee, rara avis defined.

[@cleatusbarncoat8642]

Wonderful segment, thank you. I will certainly track-down that book. I want to know more, especially how she escaped her small, childhood hometown.

[@deguilhemcorinne418]

Ça fait longtemps que je ne me suis pas fait un "moment Peggy Lee", à refaire! J'ai tout ce qu'il faut à la maison ! Beau document

[@williamhoffman7009]

One of the all tine greats.

[@earthart2010]

She is sublime

[@Greenygal3]

So happy to watch this!!

[@nomiharper]

Fascinating life and woman!

[@gatorjay7972]

Maybe someday, another lady will come along, with a fantastic voice and the class and charm to sing Ms. Lees songs to a new generation of listeners.

[@nursemedic17]

OMG thank you! I know Fever, but saw/heard it sang by other people. Thank you for posting. I'm going to do more research on Miss Peggy Lee....this is a GOOD thing. :)

[@grokeffer6226]

My two favorite songs from Peggy Lee are Why Don't You Do Right? and Bali Ha"i. She's one of my favorite singers.

[@anaabendroth3460]

The absolute epitome of CLASS and TALENT.

[@Mo-MuttMusic]

Thanks for sharing. An amazing talent! Lovely voice! Shawn R., Mo-Mutt Music/Sacred & Secular

[@billbaldwin2932]

Thank you for this wonderful lady.

[@cbryde1234]

So lovely and what a voice!

[@bambinomalle37]

Wonderful talent.

[@APG-fu6gk]

Peggy Lee was the ultimate DOLL!

[@ianbarrows6207]

Excellent interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

I've always adored Peggy Lee. She has been an inspiration to me since I was a teenager...

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing...

[@fuzzylon]

I found this very, very interesting. I barely knew the name Peggy Lee until a few years ago and the more I hear her music the more I like. This documentary explains some of the background that makes key songs like Is That All There Is and The Folks Who Live on The Hill so much more meaningful. Yes, I find Is That All There Is life affirming and knowing the background to The Folks Who Live on The Hill - that sounds so beautiful - easier to listen to when I see parallels between Miss Lee's life and my own.

[@gloriataylor6868]

What a remarkable woman!

[@natalechkalevkovich3987]

Прекрасна....

[@XX-gy7ue]

MISS PEGGY LEE - SO GREAT !

[@laraoneal7284]

Her singing is so relaxing.

[@jillrossiter8757]

love Love Peggy Lee

[@NicoleAZ145]

Wow. This gave me chills. What a fascinating woman.

[@alexwells9948]

That was Grammy winning singer songwriter who made music hits with Fever and Is That All There Is and her image is part of our Sunday Best our weekly rebroadcast of memorable Sunday Morning segments which will lead to our 45th anniversary in January 2024

[@alexwells9948]

Mo Rocca has a Sunday Profile of a singer who shows no signs of slowing down

[@paulabaker8403]

I love your Grandmother more all the time. She is fabulous.❤️

[@devanshepard9118]

im 25 year old black guy and I freaking love this womans music omg