Norma Deloris Ekstrom transformed herself from a North Dakota farm-girl into one of the most admired and successful popular singers of the 20th Century, Miss Peggy Lee.
Her cool electric-blue voice cast a spell over audiences, but behind the scenes her behaviour could push loyal friends and colleagues to the limits. All was forgiven, however, when she sang, expressing a vulnerability she showed only in her music.
A glittering career and widespread adoration however could not ‘ease the ache felt by this artist of infinite contradictions and layers’ (James Gavin Is That All There Is?) whose influence on popular singing is still felt today. This is a 90 minute show with an interval which has a biographical thread running through it.
Songs include Fever, Black Coffee, Why Don’t You Do Right?, I’m A Woman, He’s A Tramp, Is That All There Is?, The Folks Who Live On The Hill and some surprising gems from Lee’s six decade career with stunning contemporary arrangements and homages to this great artist.
‘Sarah Moule summons the spirit of Peggy Lee – it’s spooky but in a good way’
Bob Sinfield JazzFM
