- By Mabel Pais
“If I’m the duke, man, Peggy Lee is the queen,” decreed Duke Ellington. “I consider her as great a musician as Frank Sinatra, who in that world is king.” – Duke Ellington
“Peg is just about the best friend a song ever had.” – Frank Sinatra
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center celebrates the songs of two of the 20th century’s most essential and influential singers. This pair of close friends and Capitol Records labelmates are Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra. The musical tribute takes place on Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This magical musical tribute in song features ALOE BLACC, DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER, PAULA COLE, BETTYE LAVETTE, CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, RACHAEL PRICE, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL and THE CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE BIG BAND & STRINGS. This one-night-only event features Christian McBride as Musical Director and the Christian McBride Big Band and Strings.
This tribute is guaranteed to be a memorable performance. In addition to singing duets originally performed by Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra like ‘Our Love is Here to Stay’ and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It,’ these outstanding performers will share stories of the revered musical friendship between the great Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra.
Listen to these duets…..
Our Love is Here to Stay
youtube.com/watch?v=p2JR3ZYayw4
Nice Work If You Can Get It
youtube.com/watch?v=FB1MxIZrmCk
You’ll hear all your favorite Peggy Lee songs (‘Fever,’ ‘Is That All There Is,’ ‘It’s a Good Day,’ ‘Let’s Love’), along with Sinatra’s classic tunes (‘Luck Be a Lady,’ ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin,’ ‘One For My Baby,’ ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’)…plus many more. Learn the story behind these two musical icons who were best friends and creative colleagues for over 50 years.
PEGGY LEE
PEGGY LEE is one of the most famous jazz singers of the significant band era, with a smoky subtlety that could stop the brashest band in its tracks, Peggy Lee – who sang her way to 13 Grammy nominations and two awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement, with her trademark voice. Not only did she bring a famously velvety tone to her work with Benny Goodman, scoring hits with ‘Somebody Else is Taking My Place’ and ‘Why Don’t You Do Right?’ as well as her own ‘Fever’ and ‘Is That All There Is?’ She was also an accomplished writer, with songs like ‘Mañana’ and ‘I Don’t Know Enough About You,’ earning her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Over her seven-decade career, Peggy Lee helped redefine what it meant to be a female singer, and her quietly captivating voice continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Born in an era where women struggled for equality – a conversation that continues today – and carrying the burden of years of a traumatic childhood, she was a true pioneer and survivor to her core. What she accomplished as a woman and artist is nothing short of extraordinary. Learn more at peggylee.com.
FRANK SINATRA
FRANK SINATRA regarded as the greatest superstar of all time, was born to Sicilian parents in Hoboken, New Jersey. Throughout his seven-decade career, Frank Sinatra performed on over 1,400 recordings. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded him 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum, and one triple platinum album. The three-time Oscar® winner also appeared in over 60 films and produced eight motion pictures. Sinatra was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy, The Screen Actors Guild, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
Frank Sinatra demonstrated a remarkable ability to appeal to every generation that continues; his artistry still influences many of today’s music superstars. He remains a legend and an inspiration worldwide for his cultural and artistic contributions. For more information about Frank Sinatra, visit sinatra.com.
TICKETS
For Tickets to honor these two extraordinary singers, visit njpac.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888. GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the State’s and the world’s best artists, while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.
Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 11 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org for more information.
NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
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Twitter: @NJPAC
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Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand
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(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)