Norma Deloris Egstrom, known to the world as Peggy Lee, was born in May 1920 and rose to prominence as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Her artistry spanned decades, cementing her as a jazz icon. In addition to her musical achievements, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Pete Kelly’s Blues and starred in The Jazz Singer alongside Danny Thomas. Lee also contributed her voice and singing talents to Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Despite her glamorous persona, Lee’s early life was far from idyllic. Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, she spent her childhood moving frequently along the Midland Continental Railroad, where her father worked as a station agent. Her life took a tragic turn when her mother passed away when Lee was only 4 years old. Her father’s remarriage to an abusive stepmother and his battle with alcoholism made her upbringing exceedingly difficult.
Amid these challenges, Lee found comfort in music. Radio melodies became her escape, and she dreamed of one day becoming a singer. At the age of 17, she left for California to pursue her ambitions. Initially, she worked as a waitress in Newport Beach, but soon after, she auditioned at The Jade and eventually performed at the Doll House in Palm Springs, where her sultry, signature style began to emerge.
Lee eventually became a household name with hits like Somebody Else Is Taking My Place, Why Don’t You Do Right, Fever, and her deeply personal Is That All There Is? She passed away at the age of 81 in 2002, leaving behind a timeless legacy.
The song Is That All There Is? resonated with Lee on an intimate level. Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, it recounts moments of disillusionment through life’s trials, including witnessing a house fire. When Lee first heard the demo, she knew it belonged to her. She famously told the songwriters, “This is my song. It’s the story of my life. Don’t give it to anyone else.”
The lyrics mirrored Lee’s own painful childhood and her struggles to find fulfillment amid life’s disappointments. Her granddaughter, Holly Foster Wells, later shared, “For her, it was about seeing life as it is, taking a step back, accepting it, and moving forward. To her, the song represented survival.”
Lee’s personal life also carried a weight of sorrow. She married Dave Barbour, and together they had a daughter named Nicki. However, Barbour’s alcoholism caused the relationship to crumble, leaving Lee heartbroken. Foster Wells revealed that Lee found solace in the song The Folks Who Live on the Hill, as it reflected the life she longed for—a stable home, a lifelong partner, and a peaceful family life. Yet, reality was far from this dream, and Lee’s life unfolded quite differently.
Despite her hardships, Lee’s career thrived. She continued performing into her later years, though aging in the public spotlight presented new challenges. Foster Wells recalled her grandmother saying, “Try singing Fever when you’re in your 70s—it’s not easy.”
Peggy Lee’s indomitable spirit, combined with her immense talent, left an enduring impact on the world of music and entertainment. Her ability to channel her struggles into art has inspired generations, and her songs remain timeless testaments to the complexities of life, love, and resilience.