Probably best remembered for her signature song, the minimal yet sizzling version of Fever, Peggy Lee's career was long and varied, as this fascinating profile - a companion piece to BBC Four's 1960s' Mad Men series - shows. From working with Benny Goodman's big band in the 1940s through to her hits in the 50s and 60s, right up to the 1980s where she became a regular guest on TV shows, Lee oozed quality and passion. But it wasn't just her sultry voice. A fine songwriter, she was also a gifted actress, talented enough to pick up an Oscar nomination.
Sadly her private life was less successful. Born Norma Deloris Egstrom, she had a difficult childhood, beaten by her mentally ill stepmother. Tired of the abuse, she left home at 17, and started singing professionally, changing her name early on. Although her career lifted after she teamed up with bandleader Goodman, she never really got over her first marriage to his guitarist Dave Barbour, the love of her life. She remarried three times.
This documentary focuses on happier times and her great moments in song. Featuring some tremendous archive footage, there are terrific versions of Fever, Why Don't You Do Right? and Big Spender, along with a wonderful duet with Judy Garland. Not only that but there are perceptive comments from family, friends and colleagues, including Quincy Jones, Andy Williams, kd Lang and Nancy Sinatra. It all builds into a fitting tribute to a great lady. Paul Strange
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