A Big-Band Singer and Actor: Remembering Peggy King’s Career and Performances
Early years in music
King’s career began with big-band singing during the 1950s. She went on to score a string of hits and become a familiar performer on television variety shows. A 1951 performance with Ralph Flanagan and his orchestra features King singing “Very Good Advice.” The song presents a speaker who admits that she rarely follows her own counsel.
Recordings and film contract
King signed a long-term agreement with Columbia Records and made two bestselling albums: “Wish Upon A Star” and “Girl Meets Boy.” The recordings were part of a career that extended beyond her early big-band work. MGM signed King to a movie contract in 1952. The account says she was often told at MGM that she looked and sounded like someone, but the transcript ends before identifying that person.
A 1983 radio conversation
The Fresh Air segment was originally broadcast in 1983, with David Bianculli as host. Bianculli introduced King as a singer and actress whose work spanned records, film and television.
King died on Oct. 25, aged 96. The transcript does not provide further details about her death or the unfinished comparison made at MGM.
Key points
- Peggy King died Oct. 25 at age 96.
- She began singing with big bands in the 1950s and later had a string of hits.
- Columbia Records released her bestselling albums “Wish Upon A Star” and “Girl Meets Boy.”
- MGM signed King to a movie contract in 1952.