Peggy Lee

One of the most important musical influences of the 20th century, Peggy Lee wrote over 270 songs, recorded over 1,100 masters, and had over 100 chart hits throughout herseven-decade career. As one of the world’s first female contemporarysinger-songwriters, she co-wrote and sang many of her own hits, most notably “He’s A Tramp”for Disney’s Lady and the Tramp as well as “It’s A Good Day” and “Mañana.” She’sbest known for hits “Why Don’t You Do Right?” “Fever,” “I’m A Woman,” and “Is That AllThere Is?,” for which she won the Grammy® for Best Contemporary Female VocalPerformance. A 13-time Grammy® nominee, she received Lifetime Achievementawards from NARAS, ASCAP and The Society of Singers, was inducted into theSongwriter’s Hall of Fame, and earned an Academy Award nomination for BestSupporting Actress in Pete Kelly’s Blues

Valley City Kicks off Rally in the Valley with Third Annual Peggy Lee Day, Featuring Free Concert
at VCSU, Ice Cream Social and Food Drive for Valley City Food Pantry

Valley City is gearing up for the third annual Peggy Lee Day on Friday, June 14, 2024. The celebration of the iconic North Dakota-born singer will include a free concert at VCSU with an ice cream and coffee social to follow. The Peggy Lee Day festivities will serve as the kick-off for the much-anticipated Rally in the Valley, setting the stage for a weekend filled with excitement, entertainment, and community engagement.

The highlight of Peggy Lee Day will be a free concert featuring the renowned Myron Sommerfeld Band with Miss Bonnie Lynn and special guests. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing performance of the timeless tunes that made Peggy Lee a legend in the world of music. The concert will commence at 7:00 pm at the VCSU Center for the Arts, offering an unforgettable musical experience for attendees.

Following the concert, all are invited to an ice cream and coffee social, providing an opportunity for attendees to mingle, connect, and share in the spirit of camaraderie. As a gesture of support for the local community, attendees are encouraged to bring a food item for donation to Valley City Food Pantry.

Born Norma Deloris Egstrom on May 26, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, one of the world's most celebrated pop, jazz singers, and songwriters emerged. Growing up along the Midland Continental Railroad in Nortonville and Wimbledon, young Norma showcased her talent early, landing a singing gig at Valley City's KOVC Radio at just 16. It was on Fargo's WDAY Radio where she adopted the stage name "Peggy Lee." Joining the Benny Goodman Orchestra at 21, she soared to international fame, becoming both a global sensation and a cherished icon of North Dakota. Despite her worldwide success, Peggy Lee remained deeply connected to her North Dakota roots throughout her life.

To immerse yourself in her remarkable North Dakota journey and timeless music, please explore the following:

Midland Continental Depot Transportation Museum featuring Peggy Lee, Wimbledon, ND

http://www.themidlandcontinentaldepot.com

Jamestown Tourism Visitors Information Center, Jamestown, ND
https://discoverjamestownnd.com

Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Hall of Fame, Bismarck, ND
https://www.ndtourism.com/bismarck/history/museums/theodore-roosevelt-rough-rider-hall-fame

Barnes County Historical Society Museum Valley City, ND

https://www.barnescountyhistoricalsociety.com

Mural of Peggy Lee (by Bill Cochran) in Valley City, ND

Peggy Lee was inducted into the VCSU Music Hall of Fame in 2023, and the VCSU Alumni Foundation has set up a Peggy Lee Music Scholarship, which stipulates a class be taught about her life & music.

For more information about Peggy Lee Day, please contact Myron Sommerfeld 701-045-1777
or Wes Anderson 701-845-0966, wes_anderson75@hotmail.com