"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."Peggy Lee
@@laszlo3283 Hi, Laszlo! I just released a new single on CZcams. If you get a chance, check it out and let me know if you like it. Thanks! czcams.com/video/P0OB94MRiE8/video.html
@@AckzaTV I would have loved to tour with a big band in the '40s. I tour nursing homes today, singing the standards as opposed to my own songs. The audience's taste matters.
I can enjoy "feeling" the 1940s in the speakers, BUTT I don't think I'm being disrespectful wishing for a digitally "cleaned up" version. Had I been present in the room, I could have heard it "clean". B-)
@@unusualbydefault Why not? It could not have been any worse than what is going on now. I write and record music sans a set band. My musician friends drop into the studio and lay down tracks. Before you know it, it's a complete tune. Thanks for your reply and take care.
@@amysunnar9018 Anita O'Day & June Christy were wonderful, Ella Fitzgerald was very influential as was Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington was very popular. Billie Holiday had great success in the '40s, and even her lesser-known songs are worth listening to. "Mandy Is Two" is a favorite of mine from this era (1942).
Yeah, she was good. I like this and her "Ain't We Got Fun" the best.. I like her version of AWGF better than Doris Day's. But the Andrews Sisters are still my favorite vocalists!
Peggy Lee wrote about this. It wasn't a negative thing, she said, or leering or anything like that, but she said words to the effect that he was an immersed musician who smilingly studied artists while they were amidst their craft, so to speak.
@@TheScottEF that is fascinating and well put ; he is leaning so close to her that it can look like like either leering or cadging or grabbing limelight But I can believe it that he was just so into the music And was always studying others and therefore improving himself And no one better than Peggy how she holds the attention I really am here for her ❤
You should read Peggy’s biography. Benny didn't like sharing the stage with singers. Especially, the female singers. He thought they should only do instrumentals but the crowds liked the singers and that made him dislike them even more. He would make Peggy practice the same songs for up to 15 hours. She said the time with his band was the worst time of her career and life, for that matter.
Strange to hear that. I thought that Benny Goodman was actually interested in her, from the way that he looked and admired her. She would have been way too young for him. @@stardustmelody2709
I was born in this era and it was such a good time to hear music and lyrics that you could sing. and it is refreshing to know that, in this generation, many of you have found the joy in such wonderful music.
Wow, Benny Goodman could really blow that clarinet, and Peggy Lee is wonderful! I've played in a few orchestras, but I've never heard a clarinet like that, just like I had never heard a trumpet like Harry James nor a sax player like Houston Person! There were some truly great musicians back then!! Peggy Lee has been a long-time favorite of mine, sultry and sexy voice, and pretty to boot!
There is no one that you've spoken of who isn't spectacular... but this is black derived and black-inflected music and this is the 40's! Have you heard Basie and Ellington and the countless black Big Bands playing at all the black venues around the country? It was a parade of Pre-, During, and Post- War extraordinary individual and ensemble musicians. I'm guessing you haven't or you wouldn't find it so easy to make summary, superlative judgments. Of course, Peggy Lee is incomparable ... but so were Lena and Billie and Ella, fronting bands and singing the hell out of the music in the same period. Thank God for vinyl and libraries.
Valentin Spatariu I just read from the liner notes of the "Peggy Lee/Benny Goodman Recordings" cd where clearly admitted that at that time she was not at ease and very afraid to be in front of the audience.
What I like about this performance, in addition to the music and singing, is the number of smiles. Peggy is smiling as she walks to the microphone. The guitar player just behind them smiles. Benny smiles as he launches into his solo, during which, the drummer smiles and looks at the trumpet player who smiles. I count five. And I notice that I am smiling too. The rest of the guys are playing horns, so they can't smile. But it comes out in their music anyway. The guy on the bass fiddle. I don't see him smiling. Then again, the video is kind of blurry. Besides which, it's obvious he is having a whale of a time and probably thinking about how glad he is that he quit that factory job in Des Moines, if indeed, there were any factory jobs in Des Moines at the time. Who'd 've thunk? Something that entertains, and makes you feel good at the same time. You don't see much of that these days. Makes me feel like we might have lost something.
The 1940's Big Band sound was the first music I ever heard. My father had fought in WWII and my parents had these old vinyl records (which I still have BTW). I grew up at first only hearing this music. And though I love music of many decades, I still treasure this era the most.
My story is just the same. And then in my teens I grew up with Rock 'n' Roll, and I went on to learn and love other music genres, but I still love Big Band music, and I'm so grateful for my father raising me on this music.
My father was born in 1909... and he asbolutely LOVED Peggy Lee... he always said that in the early 40s "the boys" all thought Lee was "the most sultry and sexy singer going"... those GI's aren't shouting for Goodman :))) And the way she holds the word "do" at the close of those lines creating that tonality, well, in terms of musicality, just incredible... P
Benny with his jazzing shoulders..his light fingered fabulous touch..and the fabulous Miss Peggy Lee with the song that brought her to fame..or should I say Flame!! Wow..listen to that claro soar..the wonderful timing..the altos..and baritone sax..trumpets...troms...b....h...What more could a jazz lover want!!. Swing it Benny Swing!!!1
A righteous jam fellow babies. Peggy was so fine, and Benny was the man! I so dug it fellow babies. Back when swing was king. A great time fellow babies.
@@garyspence2128 A drag indeed! Peggy Lee and Beyoncé's legend statuses should not be mutually exclusive, but some people just feel the need to belittle one in the name of the other. 😔
Peggy Lee, born as Norma Deloris Egstrom, in the small city of Jamestown, North Dakota. Grew up in the very tiny town of Wimbledon, North Dakota. There is a Peggy Lee museum in Wimbledon these days.
This was GREAT AMERICAN music. As a kid in my own country and listening to Big Band Music I used to day dream about what life would be like in an America that had such great Bands and music. Today, after 50 years in the U.S.A. I come to CZcams to listen to the BEST American music ever. The Swing & Jazz of the 40's.
I always liked good music before my time as well, quality music is timeless, and never restricted just to a certain era. It can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good music at any age or at any time.
That describes me as it just depends on the mood if I feel up to rock and roll or big band or jazz age. I thank God I am diverse in musical interests. The last year or so it's been pretty much jazz age and big band.
Some great comments here. It would have been great to be in the room! Then again, most of those young men were off to war. I hope they kept Peggy and Benny with them somehow
I was gratefully raised on this great music, and then I grew through my teens in the sixties on rock 'n' roll, and went on to learn and love other genres. I am disappointed that young people generally don't know about big band music and surprised that many don't even know about rock 'n' roll music. But hopefully CZcams will continue to introduce more people to these great genres of music. 🎶
That's what defined the generation - the Depression and the War. People were united in solving problems, helping each other, and especially in winning the War!
There are so many singes who wave their hands and bob and gyrate their bodies. Peggy doesn't need to do those things. She sings with just her smile and her facial expressions; the listeners are transfixed No one does it better.
So unassuming in stage presence yet commanding in vocal style and delivery, Miss Peggy Lee, truly a singer without equal.We are seeing her in one of her earliest performances. She had that ineffable something that was to see her remain widely popular for decades to come. And that song! She made it an American standard that has ensured it continues to be covered with its biting lyrics packing quite a punch nearly 80 years on : A woman giving that no-good man of hers a dressing down with an exhortation that he mend his ways and 'do right'. Love the line: "Get out of here/and get me some money too". Not a song for the pure romantic - and all the better for it. Thank you Peggy for the memories. Long may you win new fans who chance upon you on CZcams.
Black blues genius Lil Green made this record in 1941. When Peggy was with Benny Goodman she would play this over and over in her dressing room. Benny finally said she must like it and he would make an arrangement for her. It was not only a million seller but the key record in which Peggy Lie established her sultry style.
So, basically, what you are saying is, that Peggy Lee copied Lil Green, so credit should go to Green for everything that Peggy Lee did. LOL. I've grown sick of hearing this crap. If it isn't one white performer, it's another being spit on in this way. Peggy simply liked the song, "Why Don't You Do Right", but I've never read anything written prior to all this revision b/s where Peggy said that she copied Lil Green, which nobody really knew. Peggy Lee had her own style, she did not copy anyone else. Her liking a song and recording her own version of it, does not mean she somehow idolized the person who may have recorded the song first or copied this person's way of singing.
No, that isn't what poetcomic1 said at all. That's just what you reinterpreted him as saying as a pretext for going off on your own polemic, which is reactionary, at best.
Have you heard Lil Green's version? Perfectly nice blues, not much more. Peggy is a genius. 90% of being a singing genius is knowing what to sing and how to swing it and Miss Lee did.
A guy called Gramophonedzie, in about 2009, did a house mix of this, sampling the 1942 studio recording. It went down real well with the youngsters at the clubs. He called it "Why Don't You?".
@@jeanhodgson8623 Just gave it a view...he almost had a nice electro swing version going, but the video was a bit silly and the staccato bump bump bump got old....he should have just used that to push into the song. I'm thinking Swingrowers or somebody should take it on.
Роман Иванов goodman's last performance,80 yrs.old?] the 3 n.y. newspaper reviewers all agreed to write a one word review....in giant letters ''MASTERFULL'' he died soon after i think. how many great bands would have a teenager fronting his band? ask lional hampton. anyway he lost peggy lee because goodman had a strict rule no fratenrization amoungst the band members. well peggy lee fell in love with the guitar player in vid. and goodman fired them. both, left i'm sure befor the ax. everyone wanted to play w goodman. they say he practiced 3 hrs. a day his whole life. listen to luis armstrong talk of goodman.
Her body language is so superior. She is clearly in charge. For that time, something new. Even though she had to step back, because Benni had to show off his clarinet skills, she clearly stole the show.
My Mom turned me on to this when I was really little. She was such a huge fan of both Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. Outstanding memories. They don't make 'em like this anymoore.
Malcolm MacLeod Materialism, moneyism, and the exaltation of the peak experience define our times, and there's much more to life than these. Humanity. Simplicity. Music!
uh.... I'm sure many things were better such as taste in music, but I think everyone likes their computer and iPhone and data plan and should be cheaper.
The rich and poor gaps have been divided to a point where 10 million children die each year due to preventable diseases all round the world. We are told things are better, but they are continually getting worse, with cheap materialistic distractions to subvert us from the fact that the world is going down the sewer.
The original and still best version of this song. Peggy in her prime and that Benny Goodman solo is to die for. He almost makes the clarinet wail and cry. Amazing.
Peggy Lee has written many songs during her career, but not this one. "Why Don't You Do Right" was written in 1936 by Kansas Joe McCoy, an American blues singer, musician, and songwriter. Peggy Lee recorded this version with Benny Goodman in 1942 on a 78 RPM record under the Columbia label. Julie London is among many singers who have also recorded the song in succeeding years. Julie's recording was included in the song lineup on Liberty Records' "Whatever Julie Wants" 33-1/3 RPM LP album in 1961. Kansas Joe McCoy died of heart disease in Chicago at the age of 44 in 1950.
Migod she was brilliant. She’s one of those great artist that doesn’t look like she’s doing anything, until you realize, that you’re crying, laughing, swinging with it.
I noticed at the end that subconsciously my foot had been tapping through the whole song -- awwww -- the Big Band era, before my time but great music lasts an eternity!
She was so young, such a pure voice & beautiful delivery. But fast forward a few years to her performing this with the much jazzier Dave Barbour. Slower, sly, playful & utterly cool, she smoulders at the same time. Her delivery & the instrumental bridges are to die for. If you haven't heard the other version you are truly missing out. Mix yourself a Manhattan, turn down the lights & hang on. She & the quartet totally nail it.
I love the song... I always did. ☺ Women during the 40's to me were the main character. WWII was there yes. But women were the narrators of the story. 💅
Peggy Lee was from Fargo. My mother, also from Fargo would go to a downtown cafe with her high school girlfriends after school to watch and listen to Peggy Lee who would sing the latest songs to piano accompaniment prior to her "discovery".
My mom as well. The big bands would tour through there and she and her friends would drive 60 miles in peace of shit cars to hear her and the other big bands. And dance. Men and women, and boys and girls used to dance with each other.
Man oh man i could've listen & watch for another 1 hour easily Benny Goodman had rhythm, just look at his sway Peggy Lee was gorgeous singing Doll I love hearing her "Love Letters"...exquisite Way before my time but that's the beauty of music / arts / media is archived & available Hot Cats Good post
That's Dave Barbour on guitar - he married Peggy Lee the same year this was filmed and they left Goodman together. They made some pretty good records with Peggy singing and Dave Barbour's Quartet backing them. In 1950 they recreated this hit together with him playing the leads on his electric guitar and it sold fairly well. By 1952 they were divorced as Barbour was an alcoholic. He never remarried and died of a ruptured ulcer in 1965 at the age of 53.
One thing for sure he lived his life to the fullest.compared to the people of today .One day he is washing horses at Pimlico in Baltimore.Ended up on the Blues Brothers movie lol.God created people live & give us entertainment then live in our lives forever
Born in 1980, I am currently restoring a 1946 DeSoto Custom and I love listening to music of the era when bringing these classics back to life. Knowing that everyone in the video is long gone makes me wistful, an era that once was is now nothing but a memory. God what I wouldn't give to have experienced this place in our history. :'(
Ha, ha! Benny was a superb clarinet player, and had the best dance band, but he was anything but kind. He was a real martinet to work for, as, also, was Tommy Dorsey.
Myself and is already almost 2020 and I love to listen to there instrument and singing.. Those are my parent they called it the olden days song and dancing..Such a beautiful thing..
"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."Peggy Lee
A really smart girl to figure that out.
That's better than Hedy Lamarr who found out that "All a girl has to do to be glamours is just stand still and look stupid."
And it was hard for her to look stupid, as she was a co-inventor of spread-spectrum radio, had a patent, and several inventions.
Prettiest smack-down I ever saw.
Notice the super soft glance at here and there as if she singing just for you.... very brilliant. Perfect song forever
This was 1943 - Movie - Stage Door Canteen.My Dad was on 3rd alto. (Lenny Kaye)
Wow! That's Fantastic... I'm gonna go put Stage Door Canteen in my Netflix Queue right now. Thanks!
Bravo!
Your dad had an illustrious career, and you have every right to be proud!
Your dad had a fabulously long career in the music biz. Man the things he saw and arrangements he got to play. Wowzah!!! God bless Lenny!!
Bob Kaye, wow! You descend from musical history! Fantastic! I have always loved the sound of Benny's band.
Bob Kaye dope
Peggy was only about 22 years of age here, and already a solid pro! One of my favorite female singers for all time.
My mother sang with Peggy Lee on a local radio station in North Dakota. My mom was in college in Valley City. Mom was a couple years older than Peggy.
@@cheriebrantner5543 Wow that is so cool to be in a slice of history like that.
So sassy and alluring, besides being a great singer.
It is really great that this has over three million views. The good stuff never dies.
You got that right Gwyn
@@laszlo3283 Hi, Laszlo! I just released a new single on CZcams. If you get a chance, check it out and let me know if you like it. Thanks! czcams.com/video/P0OB94MRiE8/video.html
Big potential in 1940s bars
@@AckzaTV I would have loved to tour with a big band in the '40s. I tour nursing homes today, singing the standards as opposed to my own songs. The audience's taste matters.
Thanks to Fallout :)
Our grandparents definitely had it goin' on back then, lol.
And we have access to Benny Peggy Mel Artie and Pharrell and I am so happy!
Most definitely
True
Of course, how else do you think our parents got here?
Benny looks like definitely agrees with you.
So shy, she looks at the camera just once. What a fresh, pretty face she was.
not many peeps see that,u r spot on
Peggy Lee puts Jessica Rabbit to shame.
She could express emotion without moving a muscle...never saw anyone who could do the same
I wonder what the directors/managers/tribesmen of Hollywood made her do to be a star...
Matt. She didn`t have to go thru that. Was spotted by Benny`s wife who advised him to sign her.
It almost shocks your ears to hear such a voice. So natural, so organic, and seemingly effortless.
I know. I’ve already watched on repeat about six times. Breathtaking.
Incredible still
Hey itsblitzzz, didn’t expect to see you here, love your channel!
LOVE THE SONG
true definition of a master piece, time has no effect on it.
J adore :-))! 🥂
Some of these women vocalist need to be watched.
No Autotune, no overdubs, no compression, and no overdubs.
Not even stereo...but wow!
Mechanical compression out the wazoo. The microphones back then squeezed the sound down by a lot.
Kacper Uminski especially on the lower end, I believe.
And no twerking :P
they called it hi-fi.
It's fairly unlikely that the performance and singing was recorded from what we see on screen.
Man, I just want someone to look at me the way Benny looks at Peggy... :P
I look at my girl everyday just like Benny looks at Peggy, but it's called love. Lust got lost along the way, but lust pops with good DVDs.
Josh C I just watched it again but I saw Benny and died of laughter
Josh C Lol
Natch, he was just admiring her vocal skills ;)
The thing is, the game was rigged from the start.
No auto-tune, no studio mixing, performed live and in one take. This is talent!!!
this is _skill_
I can enjoy "feeling" the 1940s in the speakers,
BUTT I don't think I'm being disrespectful wishing for
a digitally "cleaned up" version. Had I been present
in the room, I could have heard it "clean". B-)
No morons grabbing their own crotches with their pants half falling down and their hats on sideways!
You are so right, Mr. Judd, perhaps it should also be noted that Peggy Lee was an enchanting, alluring woman in addition to her talent as a singer.
Interestingly, I'm not sure it is one take. There are continuity errors between some cuts. Fantastic music though.
If I had a choice, I would've been a singer in their era rather than ours. These people had such class.
Trust me, you wouldn't...
@@unusualbydefault Why not? It could not have been any worse than what is going on now. I write and record music sans a set band. My musician friends drop into the studio and lay down tracks. Before you know it, it's a complete tune. Thanks for your reply and take care.
Peggy Lee was one of the best Jazz singers of the 1940's. When the big band era was so popular.
John Baginski ' i wish i could find more
Billie Halliday was the best of the female jazz singers.
@@amysunnar9018 Anita O'Day & June Christy were wonderful, Ella Fitzgerald was very influential as was Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington was very popular. Billie Holiday had great success in the '40s, and even her lesser-known songs are worth listening to. "Mandy Is Two" is a favorite of mine from this era (1942).
@@michaelmelen9062 ' wow' Thank you very much '
Yeah, she was good. I like this and her "Ain't We Got Fun" the best.. I like her version of AWGF better than Doris Day's. But the Andrews Sisters are still my favorite vocalists!
My 89 year old father just walked by me singing the first 2 lines of this song, so I asked him what it was, and here I am!
Is he still alive?
@@kelvinsurname7051 Seeing as the comment is 10 years old, I’m gonna say no.
Peggy Lee was a wonderful songwriter ... independent artist ... never seen Benny Goodman smile so genuinely at anyone ...
Benny smiled at Charlie Christian that way, perhaps for different reason, Benny, not an agreeable type, no doubt.
Peggy Lee wrote about this. It wasn't a negative thing, she said, or leering or anything like that, but she said words to the effect that he was an immersed musician who smilingly studied artists while they were amidst their craft, so to speak.
I noticed that too. Platonic love!
@@TheScottEF that is fascinating and well put ; he is leaning so close to her that it can look like like either leering or cadging or grabbing limelight
But I can believe it that he was just so into the music
And was always studying others and therefore improving himself
And no one better than Peggy how she holds the attention
I really am here for her
❤
They liked what🎉they were doing❤ It was special.
I love how expressive Benny Goodman is. He looks so happy to be here, playing the clarinet and listening to Miss Peggy's heavenly voice.
You should read Peggy’s biography. Benny didn't like sharing the stage with singers. Especially, the female singers. He thought they should only do instrumentals but the crowds liked the singers and that made him dislike them even more. He would make Peggy practice the same songs for up to 15 hours. She said the time with his band was the worst time of her career and life, for that matter.
Strange to hear that. I thought that Benny Goodman was actually interested in her, from the way that he looked and admired her. She would have been way too young for him. @@stardustmelody2709
@@stardustmelody2709 Funny that you say that, because It looks like he likes her. Their eyes tell the story. But he is quite a bit older than her.
@@debra8883 stage presence. He was a professional, through and through.
I was born in this era and it was such a good time to hear music and lyrics that you could sing. and it is refreshing to know that, in this generation, many of you have found the joy in such wonderful music.
The person who wrote this comment is likely dead now
Only because war...war never changes.
@@theironfox2756 *fallout theme plays*
I was gratefully raised by my father on the great Big Band Music, especially the great King of Swing Benny Goodman.
Me too!
Wow, Benny Goodman could really blow that clarinet, and Peggy Lee is wonderful! I've played in a few orchestras, but I've never heard a clarinet like that, just like I had never heard a trumpet like Harry James nor a sax player like Houston Person! There were some truly great musicians back then!! Peggy Lee has been a long-time favorite of mine, sultry and sexy voice, and pretty to boot!
I love it when veteran musicians comment on these performances!
don't forget Gene Krupa fantastic drummer who seems like has his habit well have fun and literally fires the music!
Yes, wasn't this delightful.
There is no one that you've spoken of who isn't spectacular... but this is black derived and black-inflected music and this is the 40's! Have you heard Basie and Ellington and the countless black Big Bands playing at all the black venues around the country? It was a parade of Pre-, During, and Post- War extraordinary individual and ensemble musicians. I'm guessing you haven't or you wouldn't find it so easy to make summary, superlative judgments. Of course, Peggy Lee is incomparable ... but so were Lena and Billie and Ella, fronting bands and singing the hell out of the music in the same period. Thank God for vinyl and libraries.
Houston Person?! He's still alive and still playing!
Who's watching this in 2019 😍
me
and me!
Me
Me!
Actually, lotsa ppl... hardcore fans of big band era, swing, jazz greats. The best music ever.
Who cares? What's the point in this?
Her voice, the clarinet, a masterpiece on its own. Amazing and lovely ❤️
Love how quickly she got out of there like the cops were looking for her or something.
Valentin Spatariu I just read from the liner notes of the "Peggy Lee/Benny Goodman Recordings" cd where clearly admitted that at that time she was not at ease and very afraid to be in front of the audience.
Snake Straightener RUN BITCH! RUUUUUUN
Hahaha
If I was her, I would have been afraid Benny was going to get his paws on me. But he ended up marrying into the Vanderbilt family fortune.
She was just the "chirp" here for the band. But she got her wings and flew!
She must have only been 22 here - wow! Such poise.
This was the youngest Peggy Lee I've seen on CZcams. Not quite as sultry as when was was older, but she definitely 'had it' at this young age.
@@AndyZach She was 16 years old when Goodman's band made this film.
she was gorgeous!
@@588158 PEGGY LEE WAS A CUTIE.
I believe she was 19 or 20.
What I like about this performance, in addition to the music and singing, is the number of smiles.
Peggy is smiling as she walks to the microphone.
The guitar player just behind them smiles.
Benny smiles as he launches into his solo, during which, the drummer smiles and looks at the trumpet player who smiles. I count five.
And I notice that I am smiling too.
The rest of the guys are playing horns, so they can't smile. But it comes out in their music anyway.
The guy on the bass fiddle. I don't see him smiling. Then again, the video is kind of blurry. Besides which, it's obvious he is having a whale of a time and probably thinking about how glad he is that he quit that factory job in Des Moines, if indeed, there were any factory jobs in Des Moines at the time.
Who'd 've thunk? Something that entertains, and makes you feel good at the same time.
You don't see much of that these days. Makes me feel like we might have lost something.
You're right. I watched it again and then I started smiling too.
We Have lost something . . . . more and more every day!
You're right
The guitar player is her first husband, Dave Barbour.
I noticed the same thing, and I was smiling all along!
These performers were talented, professional, and kept their clothes on.
Peggy Lee just NAILS the vocal. One of my favorite songs from that era!
Listen I'm only 4 months old but I'm wise beyond my years plus I've been eating strained veggies since birth that dame wears the songs she sings.
"that dame wears the songs she sings"
Ha! I Love that!
Straight out of Raymond Chandler
gregory sullivan h
no one cares how old you are maan
I am an embryo but I really like this kind of music.
No one in 2023 can touch it.
God bless our predecessors x
The 1940's Big Band sound was the first music I ever heard. My father had fought in WWII and my parents had these old vinyl records (which I still have BTW). I grew up at first only hearing this music. And though I love music of many decades, I still treasure this era the most.
My story is just the same. And then in my teens I grew up with Rock 'n' Roll, and I went on to learn and love other music genres, but I still love Big Band music, and I'm so grateful for my father raising me on this music.
My father was born in 1909... and he asbolutely LOVED Peggy Lee... he always said that in the early 40s "the boys" all thought Lee was "the most sultry and sexy singer going"... those GI's aren't shouting for Goodman :)))
And the way she holds the word "do" at the close of those lines creating that tonality, well, in terms of musicality, just incredible...
P
Patrick Kehoe :)
So true every word you said.
I wouldn't kick her out of bed that's for sure, both are babe's
Your father lived a great life!
So you born in 1940 right?
Benny with his jazzing shoulders..his light fingered fabulous touch..and the fabulous Miss Peggy Lee with the song that brought her to fame..or should I say Flame!! Wow..listen to that claro soar..the wonderful timing..the altos..and baritone sax..trumpets...troms...b....h...What more could a jazz lover want!!. Swing it Benny Swing!!!1
In that session BG had not a Baritone Sax but a Bass Sax (Adrian Rollini?)
Her control over her own voice is incredible
Jazz shouldders like Marian Hutton.
@@garyfrancis6193 From Kalamazoo or not, she was "a real pip~aroo!"
A righteous jam fellow babies. Peggy was so fine, and Benny was the man! I so dug it fellow babies. Back when swing was king. A great time fellow babies.
I love how she steps aside for the clarinet so he can just blast that solo in their faces haaha
outstanding
When music was music, no synthesized bs.
😅i can tell by your name your South African
This lady was singing with Benny Goodman when she was 21 years old. Puts us millennials all to shame.
I Love this word and can't wait to use it: "millennials". I like what you had to say about Peggy as well. Thanks.
@@demetrios4699 Day of the Pillow soon, Boomer.
@@John-Adams All hail the gen z overlords
Now, THAT'S talent! Beyonce can't hold a candle to her.
EXACTLY
Peggy Lee is a LEGEND, but no need to slight Beyonce. She's awesome too.
@@fluffshepnetwork7067 all Beyonce can do is shake her booty & sing mediocre.
Here go those people again. To raise one woman, they have to put down another. High school gossip 101. What a drag..
@@garyspence2128 A drag indeed! Peggy Lee and Beyoncé's legend statuses should not be mutually exclusive, but some people just feel the need to belittle one in the name of the other. 😔
Peggy Lee, born as Norma Deloris Egstrom, in the small city of Jamestown, North Dakota. Grew up in the very tiny town of Wimbledon, North Dakota. There is a Peggy Lee museum in Wimbledon these days.
Just love how Benny Goodman looks at Peggy like a little boy looks at a piece of candy.☺️
This was GREAT AMERICAN music. As a kid in my own country and listening to Big Band Music I used to day dream about what life would be like in an America that had such great Bands and music. Today, after 50 years in the U.S.A. I come to CZcams to listen to the BEST American music ever. The Swing & Jazz of the 40's.
I love the swag Benny carries himself with.
When his mind started to go he called everybody “Pops “............
She was so animated and didn't have to move. The Blues were never sexier!
This IS the best rendition of this song. Benny Goodman, he was so cool. Just look at the way he grooves to the rhythm.
I always liked good music before my time as well, quality music is timeless, and never restricted just to a certain era. It can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good music at any age or at any time.
maynardcat this might be the most underrated comment on youtube
That describes me as it just depends on the mood if I feel up to rock and roll or big band or jazz age. I thank God I am diverse in musical interests. The last year or so it's been pretty much jazz age and big band.
Exactly!
I absolutely agree. Though it pains me to side with a cat, for some reason your name sounds trustworthy.
Some great comments here. It would have been great to be in the room! Then again, most of those young men were off to war. I hope they kept Peggy and Benny with them somehow
Peggy Lee at 23 years old.
So sad that this wonderful music is not popular anymore, but I'll always love it!! thanks for sharing!
IT IS popular, you can see by Reading lovely comments🌺🌺🌺
My mother shared it with me, I share it with mine. Don't you worry
I was gratefully raised on this great music, and then I grew through my teens in the sixties on rock 'n' roll, and went on to learn and love other genres. I am disappointed that young people generally don't know about big band music and surprised that many don't even know about rock 'n' roll music. But hopefully CZcams will continue to introduce more people to these great genres of music. 🎶
Oh how far we have strayed from this fantastic type of music...
nailed it
Amen!
Check ou the videos by Sant Andreu Jazz Band.
the beginning of this song was used as a sample in the song “Benny Goodman” by saint motel
The 30's 40's and 50's. The best decades in my view.
Except the war and the depression of course.
That's what defined the generation - the Depression and the War. People were united in solving problems, helping each other, and especially in winning the War!
yeah baby!
@@peace-yv4qd And racism.
JonEccentric are you so sure it’s any better today? Yes, legally it is, but it seems we are more racially divided now than we’ve ever been.
There are so many singes who wave their hands and bob and gyrate their bodies. Peggy doesn't need to do those things. She sings with just her smile and her facial expressions; the listeners are transfixed No one does it better.
So unassuming in stage presence yet commanding in vocal style and delivery, Miss Peggy Lee, truly a singer without equal.We are seeing her in one of her earliest performances. She had that ineffable something that was to see her remain widely popular for decades to come. And that song! She made it an American standard that has ensured it continues to be covered with its biting lyrics packing quite a punch nearly 80 years on : A woman giving that no-good man of hers a dressing down with an exhortation that he mend his ways and 'do right'. Love the line: "Get out of here/and get me some money too". Not a song for the pure romantic - and all the better for it. Thank you Peggy for the memories. Long may you win new fans who chance upon you on CZcams.
Well said...
I have thought all of these things many timed while listening to this
Black blues genius Lil Green made this record in 1941. When Peggy was with Benny Goodman she would play this over and over in her dressing room. Benny finally said she must like it and he would make an arrangement for her. It was not only a million seller but the key record in which Peggy Lie established her sultry style.
So, basically, what you are saying is, that Peggy Lee copied Lil Green, so credit should go to Green for everything that Peggy Lee did. LOL. I've grown sick of hearing this crap. If it isn't one white performer, it's another being spit on in this way. Peggy simply liked the song, "Why Don't You Do Right", but I've never read anything written prior to all this revision b/s where Peggy said that she copied Lil Green, which nobody really knew. Peggy Lee had her own style, she did not copy anyone else. Her liking a song and recording her own version of it, does not mean she somehow idolized the person who may have recorded the song first or copied this person's way of singing.
No, that isn't what poetcomic1 said at all. That's just what you reinterpreted him as saying as a pretext for going off on your own polemic, which is reactionary, at best.
Have you heard Lil Green's version? Perfectly nice blues, not much more. Peggy is a genius. 90% of being a singing genius is knowing what to sing and how to swing it and Miss Lee did.
A guy called Gramophonedzie, in about 2009, did a house mix of this, sampling the 1942 studio recording. It went down real well with the youngsters at the clubs. He called it "Why Don't You?".
@@jeanhodgson8623 Just gave it a view...he almost had a nice electro swing version going, but the video was a bit silly and the staccato bump bump bump got old....he should have just used that to push into the song. I'm thinking Swingrowers or somebody should take it on.
I love how he kept his eyes on her as she sang, even as he transitioned into playing his clarinet mid song.
She was a genius singer.
Benny here in this one must be the coolest cat I have ever seen.
Just no words...masterpiece
Роман Иванов goodman's last performance,80 yrs.old?] the 3 n.y. newspaper reviewers all agreed to write a one word review....in giant letters ''MASTERFULL'' he died soon after i think. how many great bands would have a teenager fronting his band? ask lional hampton. anyway he lost peggy lee because goodman had a strict rule no fratenrization amoungst the band members. well peggy lee fell in love with the guitar player in vid. and goodman fired them. both, left i'm sure befor the ax. everyone wanted to play w goodman. they say he practiced 3 hrs. a day his whole life. listen to luis armstrong talk of goodman.
Her body language is so superior. She is clearly in charge. For that time, something new. Even though she had to step back, because Benni had to show off his clarinet skills, she clearly stole the show.
My Mom turned me on to this when I was really little. She was such a huge fan of both Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. Outstanding memories. They don't make 'em like this anymoore.
Those were war times, but they were still better times than today. We've lost life
for cheap possessions.
But the possessions aren't even that cheap!
Malcolm MacLeod Materialism, moneyism, and the exaltation of the peak experience define our times, and there's much more to life than these. Humanity. Simplicity. Music!
uh.... I'm sure many things were better such as taste in music, but I think everyone likes their computer and iPhone and data plan and should be cheaper.
He sure how
Ogling and her
The rich and poor gaps have been divided to a point where 10 million children die each year due to preventable diseases all round the world. We are told things are better, but they are continually getting worse, with cheap materialistic distractions to subvert us from the fact that the world is going down the sewer.
Peggy Lee’s voice was silk!
The original and still best version of this song. Peggy in her prime and that Benny Goodman solo is to die for. He almost makes the clarinet wail and cry. Amazing.
My favorite version
Not the original (that would be czcams.com/video/oavQY5V0xpg/video.html), but still a treat!
@@hanslub3180 This was the original performance of the song sung by Peggy Lee at the Canteen.
@@vickib3981this is NOT the original. The original was sung by Lil Green and is much better than Peggy Lee’s version.
Try and find talent like that today not a chance , when music was music
Hello Carole, How are you doing?
ah... you gotta try a bit harder and not focus on MTV?
lot's of very talented people doing great stuff. Just not in X Factor and such
I love all kinds of music from different eras, but I believe that the music of the Big Band era represents the peak of American popular music.
I share your opinion. Popular music was GOOD and Good music was popular. We haven't had much of that lately have we?
She had a golden voice. Stunning.. ❤❤❤
Sing it, Peggy! 💜 Such a cutie!
Peggy Lee has written many songs during her career, but not this one. "Why Don't You Do Right" was written in 1936 by Kansas Joe McCoy, an American blues singer, musician, and songwriter. Peggy Lee recorded this version with Benny Goodman in 1942 on a 78 RPM record under the Columbia label. Julie London is among many singers who have also recorded the song in succeeding years. Julie's recording was included in the song lineup on Liberty Records' "Whatever Julie Wants" 33-1/3 RPM LP album in 1961. Kansas Joe McCoy died of heart disease in Chicago at the age of 44 in 1950.
The queen of cool
Migod she was brilliant. She’s one of those great artist that doesn’t look like she’s doing anything, until you realize, that you’re crying, laughing, swinging with it.
She purrs. Oooohhhh.
Wow, a bass sax, haven't played one in decades!
I noticed at the end that subconsciously my foot had been tapping through the whole song -- awwww -- the Big Band era, before my time but great music lasts an eternity!
Hello Julie, How are you doing?
Look at Benny Goodman grooving continuously to the music :))
She was so young, such a pure voice & beautiful delivery. But fast forward a few years to her performing this with the much jazzier Dave Barbour. Slower, sly, playful & utterly cool, she smoulders at the same time. Her delivery & the instrumental bridges are to die for. If you haven't heard the other version you are truly missing out. Mix yourself a Manhattan, turn down the lights & hang on. She & the quartet totally nail it.
masterpiece
There will never be times andvmucic like that again
It was always my dream to bring this music back and become The Queen of Swing!
What a great song!!!! Peggy Lee oozes sexuality!
Classic and legendary music. Thank you Peggy and Benny. You live for ever.
la musique de mon enfance!!!!!!!
I love the song... I always did. ☺ Women during the 40's to me were the main character. WWII was there yes. But women were the narrators of the story. 💅
Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman --- heavenly music!
I was born in 1942 the year this was recorded. As a toddler I heard and appreciated the last of the forties music. I was there for the duller fifties.
I don't know how I got here but I'm glad I did..
Peggy Lee was from Fargo. My mother, also from Fargo would go to a downtown cafe with her high school girlfriends after school to watch and listen to Peggy Lee who would sing the latest songs to piano accompaniment prior to her "discovery".
Wow! Her and Lawrence Welk were both from the Dakotas!
My mom as well. The big bands would tour through there and she and her friends would drive 60 miles in peace of shit cars to hear her and the other big bands.
And dance. Men and women, and boys and girls used to dance with each other.
Man oh man i could've listen & watch for another 1 hour easily
Benny Goodman had rhythm, just look at his sway
Peggy Lee was gorgeous singing Doll I love hearing her "Love Letters"...exquisite
Way before my time but that's the beauty of music / arts / media is archived & available
Hot Cats
Good post
What a wonderpil world
I am so grateful for this recording. Now I know why my dad had a crush on Peggy Lee. He served in Guam, Saipan and Iwo Jima.
I love the way that Benny looks at Peggy, Love and admiration.
One of my favourite Peggy Lee pieces.
That's Dave Barbour on guitar - he married Peggy Lee the same year this was filmed and they left Goodman together. They made some pretty good records with Peggy singing and Dave Barbour's Quartet backing them. In 1950 they recreated this hit together with him playing the leads on his electric guitar and it sold fairly well. By 1952 they were divorced as Barbour was an alcoholic. He never remarried and died of a ruptured ulcer in 1965 at the age of 53.
The sad thing was he was the great love of her life, and they were talking about getting back together again when he died.
Great info, thanks so much
ChristianFreedude - Thanks for this info. I didn't know.
'Thank you so much for that information ' Merry Christmas everyone '
One thing for sure he lived his life to the fullest.compared to the people of today .One day he is washing horses at Pimlico in Baltimore.Ended up on the Blues Brothers movie lol.God created people live & give us entertainment then live in our lives forever
Oh man, this Benny guy really knew how to swing it!! He's the King!
Brilliant performance from the band, the soloist and the singer.
peggy lee is so underrated she wrote her own songs long before
all those boring female folk singers from the 60's
Born in 1980, I am currently restoring a 1946 DeSoto Custom and I love listening to music of the era when bringing these classics back to life. Knowing that everyone in the video is long gone makes me wistful, an era that once was is now nothing but a memory. God what I wouldn't give to have experienced this place in our history. :'(
I'm listening to day( 9-5-2024), i like it 👍🌹🌹❤️❤️
Benny Goodman was my neighbor in the 70's near my eastside NY apartment. he was brilliant and a kind musician and Ms Lee yeah
Ha, ha! Benny was a superb clarinet player, and had the best dance band, but he was anything but kind. He was a real martinet to work for, as, also, was Tommy Dorsey.
The BEST JAZZ BAND EVER! Young Peggy Lee, what a knock out!
que Dios te bendiga mi linda Peggy
Legendary. 1943 😍
The definition of "Class".
Myself and is already almost 2020 and I love to listen to there instrument and singing.. Those are my parent they called it the olden days song and dancing..Such a beautiful thing..
Hello, How are you doing?
A very lovely, very talented singer with a voice so pure, it was a pleasure just to hear Peggy Lee sing. Joe S
Wonderful lovely combination Benny and the sultry voice of Peggy Lee you can't bet it,
Hello Sanita, How are you doing?
Жаль, что такие таланты тоже умирают. Но в своих песнях Пегги Ли будет жить вечно.