Short introduction to Peggy King
Peggy King is a traditional pop singer and television personality who was particularly active in the 50s music era. She made only a handful of records, from where she achieved her biggest hit “Make Yourself Comfortable” (#30) in 1955. But she was more popularly known as a TV personality, making appearances on The George Gobel Show (as a vocalist), Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour, American Bandstand, Maverick, The Jack Benny Show andThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. King also released albums in the 80s, Oh, What A Memory We Made and Peggy Sings Jerome Kern. Peggy King has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Peggy King’s path to Hollywood
Jazz and traditional pop chanteuse Peggy King was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvanina on Februrary 16, 1930. She developed an interest in music and began singing at an early age. She and her family moved to Ravennah, Ohio, where she attended high school and college while she continued her musical pursuits.
King would later have an experience in performing in clubs around Cleveland. Eventually King got to sing on the air and for hotel bands as well. Her quest for making it big in her career came nearer when she joined the orchestras of Ray Anthony, Charlie Spivak and Ralph Flanagan and toured with them. That led her to Hollywood, where she continued to hone her singing and dancing talents. Music producer and executive Mitch Miller discovered King when he heard her Hunt’s Tomato Sauce radio ad jingle. Eventually Miller offered her a contract from Columbia Records.
Peggy King’s singing, television and movie career
During her active singing career Peggy King released two best-selling albums, Wish Upon a Star and Girl Meets Boy, as well as a string of charting singles including her lone top 40 hit “Make Yourself Comfortable,” which peaked at #30 in 1955. Her other notable singles also include “Learning to Love” (#61 pop), “Kiss and Run” (#88 pop) and Angel Pie (Postillon!)” (#81 pop).
However, King evolved to be more popularly known as a television personality. She appeared on several shows such as The George Gobel Show (as a vocalist), Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour, American Bandstand, Maverick, The Jack Benny Show andThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. King also made a handful of films, such as the cult comedy Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy and the suspense thriller Zero Hour! (which inspired the disaster spoof Airplane!); she also appeared on a television musical opposite teen idol Tab Hunter in Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates.
King also released albums in the 80s, Oh, What A Memory We Made and Peggy Sings Jerome Kern.
Peggy King’s legacy and her present career
She was inducted into the The Broadcasters Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2010. Do you know that King was also among the first artists to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yes, she was.
Due to the lack of videos on Peggy King found on YouTube, we have only one available video featuring King singing “Learning to Love.”
King still actively performs today. You can check out her Facebook fan page on the links section which also keeps you updated on her upcoming shows.