8/2/2009:
Peggy Lee, born Norma Egstrom in Jamestown in 1920, rose to stardom through her trademark sultry, husky voice. However, Lee was more than a voice, and she soon became known for her songwriting, as well.
She and husband David Barbour composed many songs together. On this date in 1948, they performed one of their tunes-a new march for North Dakota-on the ABC radio network. It was the ninth in a series of state salutes airing on ABC. North Dakotans and others across the United States tuned in to hear Lee sing these words in tribute to her home state:
"For the brawn and the strength and the love of the land, North Dakota-we salute you-and proudly you stand!"
Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker
Sources:
The Jamestown Sun, July 30, 1948, p.3
Dakota Datebook, "Peggy Lee, Part 1," May 26, 2004, by Merry Helm