Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee: Star-Studded Tribute Echoes Icons
The enduring legacies of American popular music giants Frank Sinatra And Peggy Lee were celebrated in grand style at a recent NJPAC/TD Jazz Series event. Titled Celebrating Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra, the concert brought together a stellar cast of vocalists and the acclaimed Christian McBride Big Band for a swinging tribute, reminding audiences of the unique bond shared by these two iconic contemporaries. Co-produced with Danny Kapilian and Festival West, the evening masterfully captured the spirit of both legends.
The Enduring Bond: Sinatra and Lee’s Unique Friendship
Beyond being contemporaries who shaped American music, Frank Sinatra And Peggy Lee shared a deep, non-romantic friendship that profoundly influenced their personal and professional lives. Their connection was one of mutual respect and admiration. When Sinatra passed away in 1998, Lee, after several days, poignantly remarked, referencing a song meaningful to both, “I’m glad there was you.” Lee herself passed away in 2002, leaving behind an unmatched musical legacy alongside her dear friend.
A Swinging Spectacle: The Christian McBride Big Band Sets the Stage
Hosted by master bassist Christian McBride, the concert featured his formidable 17-piece jazz ensemble, augmented by a seven-piece string section for added lushness. The band kicked off the evening sans strings with a powerful rendition of “Night Train,” channeling a classic Count Basie groove – fitting, given Sinatra’s frequent collaborations with Basie. This high-energy opener set a sophisticated, swinging tone for the night. The program structure, however, dedicated the first act entirely to Sinatra’s hits and the second to Lee’s, focusing squarely on vocals with minimal narration. While effective in showcasing individual catalogs, integrating their music throughout might have better reflected the close relationship between Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee.
Performers Brian Stokes Mitchell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Aloe Blacc on stage at the NJPAC tribute celebrating Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee.
Sinatra’s Classics Reimagined
Act one delivered memorable interpretations of Sinatra’s repertoire. Aloe Blacc, possessing a vocal tone reminiscent of Sinatra without being imitative, shone on signature hits “Come Fly with Me” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” He also offered a rare treat: a never-recorded Quincy Jones arrangement of “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” Broadway powerhouse Brian Stokes Mitchell brought theatrical flair, belting out a dynamic “Luck Be a Lady” and creating a poignant mood with a melancholic “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road).” The incomparable Dee Dee Bridgewater delivered a sensuous “Angel Eyes” in duet with McBride’s bass and commanded the stage, later joining Mitchell for the only duet acknowledging the Lee-Sinatra stage collaborations, the Gershwins’ “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”
Peggy Lee’s Timeless Hits Shine
The second act shifted focus to Peggy Lee’s diverse catalog. Paula Cole and Rachel Price presented an insightful duet on Lee’s existential hit, “Is That All There Is?” Cole later delivered a smoldering take on “Fever,” the Little Willie John tune Lee transformed into her signature song.
Paula Cole singing during her performance at the NJPAC concert honoring the music of Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee.
Price captured the optimistic swing of “It’s a Good Day,” co-written by Lee and her first husband, Dave Barbour.
Rachel Price performing jazz vocals with the Christian McBride Big Band during the Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee tribute at NJPAC.
Soul queen Bettye LaVette offered profoundly authentic interpretations, turning “The Man I Love” into a heart-wrenching plea and playfully teasing with “He’s a Tramp” from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, a song featuring Lee’s voice and songwriting.
Soul singer Bettye LaVette performing live at the Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee celebration concert at NJPAC.
Conclusion
The concert culminated with Bridgewater, LaVette, Cole, and Price returning for a powerful, driving rendition of “I’m a Woman.” This finale was introduced by Peggy Lee’s granddaughter, Holly Foster Wells, who manages the icon’s estate and legacy. Celebrating Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra proved to be a fittingly vibrant and expertly performed tribute, honoring the immense talent and enduring friendship of two pillars of American music. The evening successfully showcased the timeless appeal of Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, leaving the NJPAC audience thoroughly captivated.
