Ruth Leon recommends… Fever – Peggy Lee
Ruth Leon recommendsPeggy 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.
Yes brilliant performance. Thanks for posting. The support musicians great too. Who is the drummer? Total use of hands only no sticks. I wondered at first if it was Buddy Rich but think not. Would love to have seen Ms Lee live.
Yes, it is amazing, just so good!
Featuring Peggy with Max Bennett (bass) and Jack Sperling (drums).Written originally by Davenport and Cooley , Peggy added her own lyrics and the finger snapping and beat .
Tao, if you find the video on youtube per se, it says Max Bennett (bass) and Jack Sperling (drums). Sperling worked with a lot of big bands after the big band era had reached its peak and was on the decline, including Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Also, lots of work on TV show bands, movie soundtracks, and freelance studio work, with lots of vocalists including some rock n roll.
Particularly worked with Henry Mancini including the Peter Gunn TV show and movies.
I never tire of hearing Miss Lee performing Fever. As Tao characterized it, “Brilliant”.
Sense of rhythm on a par with Alberta Hunter