The 10 Best Peggy Lee Songs of All-Time
ByThomas Newman Posted on May 3, 2022 May 2, 2022 Updated on May 2, 2022
Peggy is a well-known American singer for many generations. She is also a songwriter and an actress as well. According to Wikipedia, Peggy was born on 1920, February 26 in Jamestown, North Dakota. She had a very humble childhood she grew up in the family of an abusive father and her mother was a housewife. Peggy was the eldest of her siblings and she started working at a young age to help support her family financially. Peggy's career as a singer took off in the 1940s when she began performing with big bands and releasing her albums. Some of her most notable songs from this time include;
10. Fever
This song was released in 1958 and it reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is about a woman who is feeling restless and restless for the love of her lover. Despite its popularity, the song was initially a flop as it had been rejected by over 20 different record labels before it was finally released. Later, it became one of Peggy's signature songs and she even performed it at the White House for President Eisenhower.
9. Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)
This song was released in 1943 and it is considered to be one of Peggy's most iconic hits. It is a sultry jazz song that was originally written as a blues number, and it showcases Peggy's signature sultry vocals and playful lyrics. The song was a huge success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard charts and becoming one of Peggy's signature songs.
8. Ain't We Got Fun
This standard was first popularized in 1921, but Peggy Lee's version, from her 1949 album "The Man I Love," is one of the most iconic interpretations of this upbeat and carefree song. With cheerful lyrics, jaunty horns, and Lee's inimitable vocal style, "Ain't We Got Fun" is the perfect pick-me-up song. It peaked at number four on the Billboard charts and has been covered by everyone from Doris Day to Van Morrison.
7. Is That All There Is?
This dark and brooding song, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, is one of the most iconic Peggy Lee tracks of all time. With its moody, jazz-influenced orchestration and melancholic lyrics, the song perfectly suits Lee's smoky voice. "Is That All There Is?" was a huge hit when it was released in 1969, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Lee a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance. Despite its popularity, the song has become one of the artist's most controversial works, with many interpreting its lyrics as an indictment of consumerism and nihilism in popular culture. Nevertheless, "Is That All There Is?" remains one of the most essential Peggy Lee songs, a testament to her enduring talent and influence.
6. Johnny Guitar
This western-themed ballad, written by Victor Young and Ned Washington, is one of Lee's most atmospheric and memorable recordings. According to Udiscovermusic, It was originally written for the film "Johnny Guitar" starring Joan Crawford, but Lee's version – recorded in 1954 – is the one that has endured. With its twangy guitar, echoey vocal, and songbird trills, it's a perfect example of Lee's distinctive style and timeless sound.
5. La La Lu
This upbeat jazz standard was written by Lee's frequent collaborators Jimmy Mundy and Jerry Livingston. It was originally released in 1947 but became a hit for Lee in 1953. The song is based on the children's nursery rhyme "La-la-la, the bird's song", and features live piano riffs, jangly guitar melodies, and Lee's unmistakable vocals. A favorite among jazz and pop fans alike, "La La Lu" has become a classic in the Peggy Lee canon and is considered one of her best and most recognizable songs.
4. It's a Good Day
Written by Peggy Lee herself, "It's a Good Day" is a perfect example of the upbeat, optimistic style that made her so popular. It's impossible to listen to this song without feeling happy, and that's precisely what Lee intended. Able to bridge the gap between jazz, pop, and swing music, "It's a Good Day" is one of Lee's most enduring and beloved songs. It was even used in a series of commercials for Ford Motor Company in the early 2000s. Though it was first recorded in 1946, "It's a Good Day" has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, including Doris Day, Willie Nelson, and Bette Midler. It is a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of listeners around the world.
3. Sweet Happy Life
Another original composition, "Sweet Happy Life" is a beautiful ballad that perfectly captures the essence of Peggy Lee's musical style. With its gentle, lilting melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song showcases the incredible vocal talent of Peggy Lee, as well as her ability to write a truly moving and emotional song. It was able to peak at the number 3 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was an instant hit with audiences around the world. "Sweet Happy Life" is a timeless classic that will continue to be cherished by Peggy Lee fans for many years to come.
2. Till There Was You
"Till There Was You" is another standout track from Peggy Lee and one that encapsulates the vintage jazz style that she was known for. With its complex harmonies and soaring vocals, this song is a true testament to Lee's incredible talent as a singer and musician. According to Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Till_There_Was_You), Originally written by Meredith Willson for the 1950 musical "The Music Man", "Till There Was You" has been covered by many artists over the years, but Lee's version remains one of the most memorable.
1. I Go to Sleep
"I Go to Sleep" is a haunting ballad that Peggy Lee wrote herself, and it perfectly showcases her unique blend of sultry vocals and sophisticated musical arrangements. With its delicate piano melody and swooping strings, "I Go to Sleep" is one of Peggy Lee's most beloved songs, and continues to be a beloved classic decades after its release. This made it a natural choice for inclusion in the soundtrack to the popular film "Made in Dagenham", further cementing its status as one of Lee's most iconic tracks.
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