Key Facts at a Glance
Below are the most relevant, source‑backed details about Peggy Lee’s death. Use this as a practical quick reference before exploring deeper context.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | January 21, 2002 | Obituaries, official biographies |
| Location of Death | Beverly Hills, California, United States | Published obituaries and news reports |
| Age at Death | 81 years old | Calculated from birth date and death date |
| Reported Cause of Death | Complications from cancer and a heart attack; natural causes | Obituaries and authoritative biographies |
| Place of Burial | Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California | Cemetery records and news coverage |
| Spouse at Time of Death | Norbert Schuler (m. 1964–2002; survived her) | Biographical sources and obituaries |
| Key Career Highlights | Iconic songs including “Lover” (1952), “Fever” (1958), and the Grammy-winning “Is That All There Is?” (1969) | Discography and award records |
When and Where Peggy Lee Died
Peggy Lee died on January 21, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. She was 81 years old. News reports and published obituaries indicate the death was attributed to complications from cancer and a heart attack, classified as natural causes. She was survived by her husband, Norbert Schuler, whom she married in 1964. Her body was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. These details are drawn from contemporaneous obituaries and authoritative biographical records.
How the Information Was Confirmed
Cross‑referencing multiple reputable sources is the most reliable way to establish facts about a public figure’s death. For Peggy Lee, this includes major newspapers’ obituaries, peer‑reviewed biographies, and cemetery records. When evaluating reports, prioritize outlets with editorial standards and verifiable sourcing. Official death records and cemetery documentation provide corroboration for date, location, and burial details, reducing reliance on informal or unsourced claims.
Peggy Lee’s Core Career Context
Born in Jamestown, North Dakota, in 1920, Peggy Lee became a defining voice in American popular music. She worked as a singer, songwriter, and actress, earning critical acclaim and commercial success across several decades. Her interpretations of standards and torch songs, along with her skill as a composer, shaped the sound of mid‑20th century vocal jazz and pop. Understanding her career arc helps explain the lasting impact of her recordings and the ongoing interest in her life story.
Signature Songs and Recording Landmarks
Among her best‑known recordings are classics such as “Lover” (1952), “Fever” (1958), and “Is That All There Is?” (1969), the latter earning her a Grammy Award. These tracks remain staples on radio formats worldwide and are touchstones for vocalists studying phrasing, storytelling, and emotional restraint. Her collaborations with arrangers and bandleaders of her era further illustrate her versatility and influence.
Honors and Industry Recognition
Throughout her career, Peggy Lee received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins. She was inducted into prestigious halls of fame recognizing her contributions to recording arts. These honors reinforce her standing as a significant figure in the development of American popular music and validate the continued relevance of her catalog.
Practical Legacy in Music and Culture
Long after her passing, Peggy Lee’s influence persists through cover versions, samples, and ongoing airplay. Contemporary listeners encounter her work in films, television, and curated playlists, which often highlight her clear diction and nuanced phrasing. Her ability to convey narrative through concise, well‑crafted lyrics continues to inform both performers and songwriters. This sustained relevance distinguishes her catalog as more than historical artifact and positions it as a living part of the musical canon.
How to Find Authoritative Sources on Peggy Lee
To deepen your understanding and verify specific claims, consult primary and secondary materials that meet editorial best practices. Reputable biographies, discographies, and archival institutions offer structured, fact‑checked information. Peer‑reviewed databases and library collections can support more rigorous research, while official label compilations provide reliable audio sources. Prioritizing well-documented references helps separate enduring facts from anecdotal or unverified commentary.
Comparing Key Moments in Her Life and Career
The table below pairs notable life periods with career outcomes to clarify how her trajectory unfolded and why her work remains significant.
| Date or Period | Event or Milestone | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | Born in Jamestown, North Dakota | Establishes biographical baseline |
| 1941 | Joins Dave Barbour band | Early professional break that shaped her style |
| 1952 | Records “Lover” | Major hit that expanded her audience |
| 1958 | Records “Fever” | Signature song with enduring popularity |
| 1969 | Wins Grammy for “Is That All There Is?” | Critical recognition and career highlight |
| 1964 | Marries Norbert Schuler | Personal milestone covered in biographical notes |
| 2002 | Dies in Beverly Hills, California | End of public career; prompts retrospective evaluations |
| 2002 onward | Continued airplay and reissues | Sustained cultural relevance and legacy preservation |
Common Questions and Practical Takeaways
- When did Peggy Lee die? She died on January 21, 2002.
- Where did Peggy Lee die? Her death occurred in Beverly Hills, California.
- What was the reported cause of death? Complications from cancer and a heart attack; classified as natural causes.
- Where is she buried? Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California.
- Who survived her? Her husband, Norbert Schler, survived her at the time of her death.
- Which songs remain most associated with her? “Lover,” “Fever,” and “Is That All There Is?” are among her most recognized recordings.
- Why does her work still matter? Her clear vocal style, thoughtful phrasing, and well-crafted songs continue to influence performers and listeners, ensuring long‑term relevance.
Closing Perspective
By focusing on verifiable details and contextualizing her artistic achievements, this overview supports an accurate, lasting understanding of Peggy Lee’s death and legacy. The goal is not sensationalism but clarity, allowing readers to connect biographical facts with her ongoing influence in music and culture. For researchers, educators, and fans, these facts provide a durable foundation for deeper exploration.