"Retire? Not on your life. I have no plans to stop singing. What are you going to do when you love music? It's a terrible disease. You can't stop. Of course, I'd like to get off the road."
About Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was a significant figure in American music, celebrated for her distinctive voice and innovative style. Her work, particularly in songs like 'Fever,' not only captivated audiences but also challenged the norms of her time by blending jazz, pop, and blues. Lee's lyrics often explored themes of love and emotional depth, as seen in her poignant line, 'I'm not a has-been, I'm a will-be,' which encapsulates her belief in resilience and reinvention. Through her music, she expressed the complexities of love, illustrating how it can be both intoxicating and fraught with challenges. Her ability to convey such emotions with authenticity set her apart in the music industry. Lee's impact extends beyond her chart-topping hits; she paved the way for future female artists to express their individuality and strength. Today, her quotes and songs continue to resonate, reminding listeners of the power of vulnerability and the importance of embracing one's journey. Peggy Lee's legacy is one of artistic courage, emotional honesty, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Quote collection
15 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Retire? Not on your life. I have no plans to stop singing. What are you going to do when you love music? It's a terrible disease. You can't stop. Of course, I'd like to get off the road."
"I knew I couldn't sing over them, so I decided to sing under them. The more noise they made the more softly I sang. When they discovered they couldn't hear me, they began to look at me. Then they began to listen. As I sang, I kept thinking, 'softly with feeling.' The noise dropped to a hum; the hum gave way to silence. I had learned how to reach and hold my audience -- softly, with feeling."
"What are you going to do when you love music? You can't stop."
"You should always look like a star. Otherwise people will lose a little of the esteem they have for you."
"I learned courage from Buddha, Jesus, Lincoln, Einstein, and Mr. Cary Grant."
"If that's all there is, my friends, then let's keep dancing."
"I regard singing pretty much like acting. Each song is like playing a different role. I get very involved with my material. I feel a responsibility for the emotion it brings out in the listener."
"Is That All There Is?"
"I try to project not only a song but a personality."
"One day he went away and I thought I'd die, but I didn't. And I said to myself: 'is that all there is to love?'"
"I really don't have that many run-ins. People by and large are very nice to me."
"They weren't really weddings, just long costume parties. (on three of her weddings)"
"The thing that I always notice that dates a record is the rhythm section. With a good arranger the music can be timeless. But, rhythm can change, because heaven knows, we didn't know rock was going to come in, did we?"
"I'm always happy when I'm cleaning, and besides, I had just found out that I was going to have a baby."
"You cant beat The Beatles, you join em."