Peggy Lee

Winter in North Dakota can be a challenge, but it can also offer great experiences and traditions. Dakota Datebook joins the celebration of winter in conjunction with the Northern Plains National Heritage Area and Sons of Norway Sverdrup Lodge for the inaugural “Vinterfest,” a celebration of all things winter, throughout the month of January.

Peggy Lee Day has become a big annual event in Valley City. It celebrates the famous singer who grew up here in North Dakota. On Friday the 16th there will be a free concert at Valley City State. Attending the festivities this year will be Peggy's granddaughter, Holly Foster Wells. Joining us to preview the event are band leader Myron Sommerfeld and singer Bonnie Lynn.

Peggy Lee was born on this date in 1920 in Jamestown, North Dakota. She is known for her singing, movie, and television career. She is not well known for her war with the Walt Disney Company. The case came about because Disney performers received no additional compensation when a movie was later shown on television and turned into videocassettes. The movie company received all of the profits.