Ruth Leon recommends… Fever – Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee 

Fever, written by Otis Blackwell and Eddie Cooley (collectively known as John Davenport), was originally recorded in 1956 by Little Willie John (who?), Fever has been recorded by countless singers in hundreds of different styles. They include Elvis Presley, Boney M., Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bublé, Sylvester, the McCoys, La Lupe and Beyoncé.

Each has sought to find the raw sexual hunger and sophistication that Peggy Lee brought to it. She added her own lyrics and the accompaniment is simply her fingersnaps and Jack Sperling’s urgent drumbeats against Max Bennett’s bass pizzicato. No matter who else sings this song it is now and forever Peggy Lee’s.

Here’s the proof, a classic recording from the late 60s. No one else even comes close.

Read more

The post Ruth Leon recommends… Fever – Peggy Lee appeared first on Slippedisc.