Peggy King is one of the standout voices of 1950s traditional pop. Known for her charming delivery and television presence, she gained national attention with her 1955 hit “Make Yourself Comfortable.” While her time on the pop charts was brief, her work in radio, film, and TV made her a household name during the golden age of American variety entertainment.
With a career spanning decades, Peggy King’s blend of vocal skill, stage charisma, and cross-media presence helped her become a beloved performer. Her contributions continue to be celebrated by fans of classic American pop and early television.
| Full Name | Peggy King |
|---|---|
| Born | February 16, 1930 – Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Genres | Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz, Standards |
| Years Active | 1950s–present |
| Labels | Columbia Records |
| Signature Hit | “Make Yourself Comfortable” – #30 Pop (1955) |
| Other Charting Singles | “Learning to Love” (#61), “Kiss and Run” (#88), “Angel Pie (Postillon!)” (#81) |
| Albums | Wish Upon a Star, Girl Meets Boy, Oh What a Memory We Made, Peggy Sings Jerome Kern |
| Television Appearances | The George Gobel Show, American Bandstand, The Tonight Show, The Jack Benny Show |
| Film Appearances | Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, Zero Hour!, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates |
| Career Honors | Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Broadcasters Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame (2010) |
| Legacy | One of the few 1950s female pop vocalists to transition across music, TV, and film |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Peggy King was born on February 16, 1930, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Raised in a musically inclined family, she began singing at an early age. Her family later moved to Ravenna, Ohio, where she attended high school and college.
As a teenager, King performed at local clubs in Cleveland, slowly building her stage confidence and reputation. She eventually sang on radio programs and with hotel dance bands. Her big break came when she was hired to tour with the orchestras of:
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Ray Anthony
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Charlie Spivak
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Ralph Flanagan
Touring with these popular bandleaders gave her national exposure and led her west to Hollywood.
Discovery by Mitch Miller
King’s major career breakthrough happened somewhat unexpectedly. While doing a commercial jingle for Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, her voice caught the attention of Mitch Miller, the influential head of A&R at Columbia Records.
Miller quickly signed King to Columbia, helping launch her recording career in earnest. She was soon positioned alongside artists like Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Patti Page—female vocalists who defined the pop sound of the early 1950s.
“Make Yourself Comfortable” – Her Breakout Hit
In 1955, King recorded “Make Yourself Comfortable,” a song written by Bob Merrill. The single became her biggest hit, reaching:
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#30 on the Billboard Pop Chart
Its smooth, inviting melody and King’s warm delivery made it a favorite on jukeboxes and radio stations across America. The song showcased her ability to balance flirtation and finesse, which became her vocal trademark.
While it was her only Top 40 hit, it remained closely associated with her identity and career.
Additional Charting Singles
Though none matched the success of “Make Yourself Comfortable,” King released several other songs that charted modestly:
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“Learning to Love” – #61 (1956)
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“Angel Pie (Postillon!)” – #81 (1956)
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“Kiss and Run” – #88 (1956)
Her early recordings featured lush orchestral arrangements and romantic lyrics, typical of the pre-rock-and-roll pop sound.
Albums and Later Recordings
Peggy King also released two well-received studio albums during the height of her Columbia Records years:
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Wish Upon a Star
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Girl Meets Boy – A duet album with fellow Columbia artist Jimmy Wakely
In the 1980s, she returned to the studio for two more projects:
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Oh, What a Memory We Made – Featuring big band arrangements and standards
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Peggy Sings Jerome Kern – A tribute to one of America’s greatest composers
These albums helped introduce her music to a new generation of traditional pop fans.
Peggy King on Television
King was more than a singer—she became a television personality during the medium’s golden age. Her charm and camera-friendly presence earned her regular guest appearances and recurring roles on several popular programs:
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The George Gobel Show – Regular vocalist
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Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour
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American Bandstand
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The Jack Benny Show
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Maverick (Western drama)
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The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Her combination of musical talent and comedic timing made her a favorite with both audiences and hosts.
Film Career and Notable Roles
Though not primarily known for film, King appeared in a few notable movies:
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Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) – Comedy cult classic
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Zero Hour! (1957) – A suspense thriller that later inspired Airplane!
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Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates (1958) – A TV musical co-starring teen idol Tab Hunter
These roles allowed her to showcase her acting and dancing skills alongside her music.
Career Honors and Recognition
Peggy King has been recognized for her contributions to music and television. Key honors include:
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A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Among the first entertainers to receive one
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Inducted into the Broadcasters Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame (2010)
She remains respected as one of the few female vocalists to transition successfully between music, television, and film in the 1950s.
Legacy and Later Life
Despite the shift in musical tastes in the 1960s, Peggy King maintained a dedicated fan base. She stepped back from the spotlight for a time but never fully retired. In the 2000s and 2010s, she returned to performing in jazz clubs and theaters.
King’s music continues to appear on traditional pop compilations and vintage radio playlists. “Make Yourself Comfortable” remains a mid-century favorite, covered by other singers but never quite captured with the same intimacy as King’s original.
She maintains a presence on social media and fan pages, and occasionally appears for interviews and live events, reaffirming her role as one of the last living legends from the 1950s pop era.