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... Our Guest Book Wonderful Performance! From a good friend of this website . . . Hello There, Yesterday Peggy sang at a salon concert in Philly, and I was able to go. She brought the house down! There were many other acts on the program, but the crowd reaction to her and the All-Star Jazz Trio that she sings with now was unique. She was funny, beautiful, suave, and her voice is exquisite. I thought about [the website] immediately, and made sure to finally get a picture. It turned out remarkably well. I assure you we did not color coordinate, as she didn't even know that I was coming! I have some great gigs coming up this season. I'm not sure if I shared my new website with you, but here it is: https://www.justinhopkinsopera.com/ I also have a one-man show slated for December 22nd [at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler, Pennsylvania]. I think I will have Peggy's pianist, and I'm hoping to have Peggy come up and sing a few numbers solo. I'm brainstorming on duets as well. Best, Justin Hopkins 
Editor's note: May we suggest La ci darem la mano . . . for a duet? ... Dear Peggy, I was so happy to find your website. I am becoming a fan late in the game! I am trying to catalog my father's vocal recordings and that is where I heard you recently. Ralph "Rusty" Nichols was my father, and he sang and played trombone with the Charlie Spivak and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras during the Big Band eras. I grew up hearing the 78's and taped recordings, such as "Three Little Words" and "Stop Throwing Rocks at the Devil", along with "The Best Man" which I really like . . . and one of my favorites was the song "Experience." If I am not mistaken, you recorded that song with him, or it was at least performed at the Palladium and then put on vinyl. It's one of the best in the Spivak repertoire I think! I am also a jazz and cabaret singer now and play keyboards with Sway Katz Big Band here in southwest Virginia, where Dad settled. He passed in January of 2001, as has my mom, Nenie . . . but I did find the 78 of "Experience" in his collection, and I have it on tape from the Hollywood Palladium radio broadcast, which I have been unable to find on the internet to listen to, but I have in its entirety on tape. I just wanted to wish you well, and tell you how much I enjoyed finding this recording and learning that you and Dad sang together. Best wishes, Karen Nichols Bedford, Virginia October 09, 2013 Editor's note: When we acknowledged Karen's e-mail and suggested that she tell us more about this very interesting Peggy King connection, she complied with the following: 
I have the 78 LP of "Experience," along with many of the other single recordings that my father, Ralph "Rusty" Nichols, is singing on with the Spivak band. There was one called "The Best Man" with him and the Stardreamers, which I found on Amazon.com as a single mp3. When it comes to "Experience," though, I have it on an old 78 . . . but couldn't seem to find it anywhere on a full album, or on a CD or internet . . . then I stumbled on it on a website for old records (will have to try to locate that again) and somehow, miraculously, it ended up downloaded in my computer - which is not the first miracle I've had with this whole project of sorts. I still hope to dub it off the 78 into CD form so that it's digitally accessible. Of course, you have permission to share my comments. Can't recall saying anything that couldn't be public. Briefly, I am one of three children that Rusty and my mother, Willene (known as "Nenie") had during their marriage. My mother was a fine pianist and organist who had a career of her own as a radio copywriter and also musician, and she had a group with her friends Nellie and Dardanelle, a famous vibes player when they were in Richmond, Virginia. where Mom worked at a radio station. Nellie introduced my father to Nenie, and the rest was history. My two brothers have recording careers. Jim Nichols and John Nichols are both guitarists (and John also sings and plays bass), and you can learn more about their playing by looking up some of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) convention videos on YouTube under their names, calling up the album "Jazz and Country" by Jim Nichols, which has been called one of the best guitar albums ever made, or by visiting Jim and his wife Morning's website Jimandmorningnichols.com, as they have many albums. They all live in northern California. I am on the east coast. I am a voice and piano teacher and returned from California to southwest Virginia, where we all grew up, when my father passed away (2001) and mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She died in 2010. I have remained here and made a career of teaching, giving concerts, recording, and contributing my piano playing to the local orchestra and the fabulous Sway Katz Big Band. Tonight we played "State Street Stomp" and "In a Mellow Tone," "Orange Colored Sky" and one of my favorites - "Shiny Stockings" - because I get to play Basie type licks (I know, they are simple, but always tasty!). Because I only joined the group about a year and a half ago, I have not yet recorded with them. The mambos we play cause me to re-live a lot of "I Love Lucy" episodes, and it's so much fun. My quartet will be playing for our local D-Day Memorial GI Jive Dance in February . . . I will look forward to singing "Three Little Words" and "Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," which Rusty also recorded. So, southwestern Virginia has plenty of the old time music going on - my father contributed greatly to that awareness. Now that I am in my later years, revisiting his recordings, I am so proud of him and understand better how hard it must have been when that very special time began to fade in ways. Yet, I can honor him and those who were part of that time and that music, and still are, by stirring up more interest in it. Our D-Day Memorial is always trying to find ways to interest young people in the history of WWII . . . the music is a great point of interest. Dad never really got over the Big Band era . . . and well he shouldn't have. We grew up hearing all these recordings - and knew it was cool - but didn't know that everybody else in this small town didn't have autographed pictures of stars on the wall, and not everyone listened to Al "Jazzbo" Collins' warped jive versions of fairy tales . . . not everyone had the Spike Jones Christmas album . . . not everyone's dad used terms like "nervous" to describe something they liked. But all over the country there were kids hearing band stories from the road . . . and could he ever tell a story (Irish). My father was a one in a million guy with a sense of humor and way about him that gained him a huge following in this area. He eventually gave concerts of big band music with his own band here and built a great consciousness of that era that persists today, years after he passed. I am happy to carry the torch in a small way. You see . . . about two months ago, I was really missing Dad. I went down to the basement and started fishing through some charts and arrangements . . . and I found that he had begun collecting some arrangements and changing the labels on them to read "The Karen Nichols Big Band", and on each one that was complete with all the parts, he wrote "ready to mail." Apparently, it was right before he died, so it was like getting a message from beyond to find that act of love and sharing. Of course, I don't have a big band of my own, but it was nice that he thought I could. I still have some tapes of radio interviews he did to listen to. When I was 11 or so, I was down in the basement listening to Astrud Gilberto (he always made sure we had the best music to listen to - Ella, Nat King Cole, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Art Tatum . . . when we weren't listening to 50's and 60's rock and roll or folk . . . and Daddy came down the stairs and looked at me (kind of geeky freckled kid with glasses at the time) and said "what do you want to be when you grow up?" and I answered through my big teeth "a Brazilian jazz singer." Instead of recoiling in horror, he said "groovy - you can do that." I now make sure I do songs like "So Many Stars" and "One Note Samba," etc. That was the way he was - all about music, all about cool. Well . . . I have gone on long enough . . . I would like to try to scan a few pictures from our picture album of Dad's time in the big bands when I get time. Lots of faces and names that may mean something to Peggy or others you are associated with . . . I am just beginning to get a complete list of his vocals, and he did compile a tape of most things he played trombone on . . . there is much more of Spivak than the Jimmy Dorsey band. I always thought of him as the guy who did character songs . . . . slightly goofy or comedic. He kept a golden voice for all of his years. I am happy to say that my brother John sounds so very much like him and I have a lot of his singing manner too. I will attach a picture of Dad in later years, me now, and the "Experience" recording which is in mp3 or mpu format. If it doesn't transmit by email, I am going to eventually try to get a fresh copy from the LP. I know this email was all about my dad, and me and my family, but hopefully it will be of interest. I am grateful to have found the recording and to have been led to learn more about Peggy King and her career. Please thank her for being a part of a special time of discovery for me. I have had a lot of loss and took care of Mom for ten years, which were not easy years, but I was glad to be there for her. I felt that reconnecting with my father's career would be healing. I'm sure there are many people for whom reconnecting with that time and the music is healing. God bless you, and thank you for being in touch! Karen Nichols (on Facebook, and at mountaindeeva2@aol.com) Bedford, Virginia (close to Roanoke and Lynchburg) .. 
And if you click the link here, you will be able to download and hear Rusty and Peggy sing "Experience" from their days with the Spivak band: "Experience" I was watching Behind the Candelabra tonight and jumped straight on the internet to look for photos of you. I love short hair - I'm pro short hair. I get into many arguments about it now as most modern women have really long hair and I hate it. Most short hair was in the 80's, so I was in awe when I saw yours from the 50's. ... Anyhoo, I was wondering if there will ever be a larger scan of this photo: .. https://www.peggyking.org/PK_427X472.jpg .. I love it - you look just incredible in that picture. .. I must be off. . Take care, Ed Warner 
Editor's note: Ed has been provided the larger scan of his favorite picture of Peggy as requested. Dear Peggy, But above all else was the "magic" of that afternoon - the loveliness you projected, your acceptance of the kids, and your ability to relax and make me feel relaxed. It was an afternoon to remember, and I hope we can do a repeat one day soon. There will never be another George Gobel Show, nor another Pretty Perky Peggy King, because "you can't hardly get them no more." "Thank you, Peg." Robin C. Harris ..llo Ms. Ki I just wanted Peggy King to know how much I have appreciated her wonderful singing and personality. I listened to all the George Gobel shows and her singing was always the greatest treat to hear. You could also tell her that among recent singers I've only found one close to her Classic versatility and that is Madeleine Peyroux. I've always thought of Peggy as an artist who is in a class by herself. She must be gratified to have accomplished so much. Thank you for your great kindness in passing this along to her. .. Warmly, Geoff Jones .. Geoffrey Jones July 3, 2013 . WOW! So nice to meet you . . . Dear Peggy, Edmond Andreas Hi Peggy, . My husband and I were sitting around on New Year's Eve and happened to come across you singing in Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy. We were born in the 50's, both raised in families that listened to jazz and the better music of that time. My husband went on himself to be an accomplished jazz guitarist. I was blessed enough to have sung with several bands, and we have both been a part of studiio work in NYC. The reason I'm telling you this is because neither one of us has heard you, and we were smitten with your beautiful voice and incredible musical ability. We accessed your web site and enjoyed many of your slide shows. My mother was born in '28, and I will ask her tomorrow if she knows of you. We were compelled to write and are excited that you use your gifts now to sing to the elder residents of Pennsylvania. Thanks for your time. I hope you have a happy & healthy new year. . Sincerely, . H. P. December 31, 2012 . ... Hi Peggy, .. I was attending school in Ravenna and living with my aunt when you came to visit her neighbors, the Cox's on Wall Street. You and your piano player came over to play my aunt's piano and sing for us. You were so nice to me, 10 at the time, and humored me by letting me sing a song for you. I can't remember what I sang, but you told me to keep on singing. I think I got a little shy and forgot the words, but you were very nice to me. Well, I did keep on singing, first to my husband, then my boys, and now in the church choir. . My best to you and a Happy New Year. Linda Nelson . Hi Peggy, . I hope that this e-mail reaches you. Yes, I'm Gary Thompson. I met you and your husband at La Truffe Restaurant in Philadelphia when I was singing there way back in 1975/76. You were so kind and even introduced me to Mike Douglas there. I also remember watching you perform at Michael's Pub here in New York back in the 80's. You were fabulous! I was just sitting here watching the film, "Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy" and fell out of my chair when all of a sudden you appeared singing the St. Louis song. How fabulous!!! It was so good to see you again! I hope that all is well with you and your family. I am still performing and living in New York, well actually, right across the river in Hoboken, NJ. I would love to catch up with you, if it's okay. Hope to hear from you soon. All my best to you, Gary Thompson Hello Ms. King, Donald Romano .. Dear Ms. King, Christ Costello sent a mailing out that you would be appearing in Philly, and I wish so much that I could attend. I live in Queens, New York, and it is not possible for me to get that far. "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" is among my all-time favorite films. I have kept a scrapbook of pictures and clippings and such. I would love to add your autograph to it (To Bobby Wilson). Do you have any photos with them [Abbott and Costello] that you could sign? Please let me know, as it would be something I would keep forever. God bless you, Bobby Wilson Hello, Dear Peggy,  Will Jordan on Ed Sullivan Show, circa 1957
Hello Ms. King, Gene Hoisington And in a follow-up message from Gene on January 16th: Wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying your website. Just looked at the clock and was surprised to find that three and a half hours have passed since I logged on. Watching Peggy perform is certainly addictive! What a great way to become more familiar with her amazing life and career. Terrific job.
Hi Peggy, This is Warren Snead, the black guy (bass player) you were talking to at the bus station in Wilkes-Barre the other day. I hope your trip home was safe and uneventful. See, I told you I would look you up, and I must say that even though I have yet to (knowingly) listen to any of your music, I feel honored to have actually met you. If the charisma and grace you exuded that day were just a fraction of your stage presence, all I can say is WOW! Since I cannot turn back the hands of time and actually attend one of your shows, my only other option is to spend hours, hours and hours trying to find pieces of your music on the internet, and I can't wait to get started. I know there are probably so many more ways you can find to occupy your time, but if you ever get a second or two, I would love to keep in touch. P.S.: Marry a bass player. Hi Peggy, . You are probably going to be shocked to hear from us. It's Marsha Hirst, daughter of John and Marylee Hirst. I just got off the phone with my mother, and she was telling me she saw pictures of you on the internet. She was at my sister Donna's house and for some reason Donna was showing her your website. I guess they were talking about family and your name came up. It was wonderful to see the pictures. I remember when I used to come and see you with my grandmother. That was a lifetime ago. I am now 58 and have a wonderful life. If you get a chance, let me know how you are doing and I will pass it on to mom and dad. . Your 2nd cousin, Marsha Hirst Koehler Mt. Pleasant, PA August 16, 2011 Hi Peggy, . You of great chops have been one of my favorite singers for a couple of eons . . . clear, crisp, and I've never heard a clinker! I have such great taste in female singers it amazes me! I mean . . . Marni Nixon, Jaye P. Morgan (sang at my senior prom in 1952 in front of the Frank deVol orchestra), Gogi Grant, Joni James, Margaret Whiting, obviously Dodo Day and you. Ah, yes . . . those were the days, m'dear . . . alas, no more romance and few good lyrics. . Stay well. . Robert "Bob" King I can only hope we're related. July 21, 2011 . . Dear Peggy, . Tonight, 7/15/2011, I was watching "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" and saw you do that great cameo. What a great tune! I had to research you. You were, and are, a tremendous singer. I am much too young to have had the pleasure of watching you in the 50's, but I am a fan now. Better late than never. Keep on singin.' Randy Sheldon Les Brown . Her [Peggy's] bio doesn't show Ms. King's being a part of Les Brown's group, but I would swear that I heard Peggy singing with the Les Brown Band sometime in the early 50's. It was in the Seattle area, and it could have been at the University of Washington or even at a U.S. Navy installation by one of the lakes. Could you confirm or deny this fond old memory of mine? Subsequently, I became a DJ and often wished that she had a more prolific recoeding career, as I absolutely loved her from the time I set eyes upon her. Thank you. . Neil Sargent June 22, 2011 . Editor's Note: Peggy confirms that she sang with the Les Brown Band on several occasions, always as a guest singer - not a regular with the group, and often as part of an ensemble cast touring various military installations entertaining the troops. Peggy recalls appearing on at least one such occasion in the Seattle area. .. USC Pep Rally Hello Peggy, Congratulations on being inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's Hall of Fame this month. After seeing you at Rosemead High School (more than a few years ago), I was an instant fan. Thanks for many years of good music and pleasant memories. Shelley Giles Shelley went on to add in a second e-mail directed to your editor: She [Peggy] has provided a lot of fond memories of days gone by and music that was pleasant to hear. My hope of hopes is to have our paths cross again someday. Perhaps the Red Cross will send me to Pennsylvania, or Peggy may come to Northern California to visit family. Hello Peggy, I just wanted to drop you a little line to thank you very much for the letter you wrote for me when I was going to Australia to marry the girl of my dreams. We've been married 8 yrs now and very happy. If you don't remember me, I used to deliver for Little Pete's inside the Philadelphian for many years. My wife Janet would also like to say thank you. After I showed her your web page, she said, "Wow, she is just as beautiful as she was 30 yrs ago." I hope all is well with you, and I keep you in my prayers every night. Thanks again. Love, .. Hello Ms. King, . My name is Cindy Shields and I'm married to Perry Shields, whose father was Walter Shields. By any chance do you remember that handsome trombone player?? :) Unfortunately, Walter passed away on September 14, 2009 from natural causes at his home. Don't know if you'd stayed in touch very much, but he was an avid cyclist. (ABC news featured him in a story a few years ago and he'd been written about in our local newspaper.) He biked up until the day before he died. . We have been cleaning out his house and it's been my happy task to go through his personal effects and pictures. Your name came up (very fondly!) in conversation over the years, especially after our little girl, Kimmy, was introduced by her dad to "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy." Kimmy liked to do your song around the house! I found among Walter's things a 1985 "L.A .Times" article about you. It was so nice to read about you after enjoying your performances and hearing such lovely stories about you (even have a few old pics, too!) . I just thought I'd write and let you know about Walter, and to say "thank you" for your friendship to our dear Papa, and also for all the smiles your performance has given our family. , God bless you and yours~ Cindy Shields :) . . Hi Peggy King, .. I just watched an episode of Jack Benny with you and Art Linkletter as guests. It was a great show, so funny - and you were so wonderful in your song and comedy both! Congratulations. I thought that you and Jack had a wonderful on-screen relationship, and I think I saw a twinkle in his eye for you, which would only be natural. Thanks again for that great show and talent! It must have been a wonderful experience. .. Michael Crade, MD Newport Beach, CA December 29, 2009 .. . Thanksgiving Dinner .. Dear Peggy: .. I just wanted to let you know how terrific it was spending the evening with you at Myrna's. You are a warm and fascinating person. I look forward to seeing you again soon. .. Warmest regards, .. Gary Lansman November 29, 2009 .. Peggy: I have to say that the past holiday was the best I have had in many I hope Haley gets you talent for singing. As you said, she looks like Jon Keep well and let's hear from you soon, Sy Adelson .. Hello Peggy, You probably don't know me (or my younger brother PJ). I am Mary Ann Ryal Perkins and my brother is PJ Ryal Jr. We are two of PJ Ryal's and Bette Ryal's four children. We lived in Ravenna, Ohio (843 West Riddle Street) during the early 1950's and remember our dad talking about his association with you. He was a Ravenna native and a musician. He had his own dance band and loved music. We always believed he helped to "discover" you . . . and know that he took enormous pride in your talent and your career. I looked at your website today and saw the Ravenna parade pictures. We were sitting on the curb with him that day in 1955 -- you waved to us from the car. I was 8 years old at the time and my brother was 7. My dad went on to introduce PJ Jr to the public a year later when he arranged for him to perform on the Gene Carroll Show in Cleveland. PJ Jr played the ukelele and sang . . . much as Daddy did. Sadly, he died from leukemia in 1959 (50 years this November 22) . . . at the age of 44. His widow Bette (age 90) still lives in her hometown of Gallipolis, Ohio. I was in Ravenna this past weekend and visited his grave in Mantua, Ohio. He lives on in our memories as do you. We would love to reconnect . . . I work in the casino industry as a management consultant and PJ Jr runs a television station in Charleston, SC. Maybe you can tell us more about your life and how to reach out? Thank you for listening. Fondly, Mary Ann Ryal Perkins Dear Peggy, I happened to be lying down at the pool with my music radio playing. When I was switching stations, I heard someone playing a program called the Peggy King Story. It had excerpts from the Jack Benny Show and other cuts. I was just amazed at the beauty of your voice. What's shocking about it was that I'm from that era and still not familiar with your music. (Don't be mad!) One thing we do have in common is that George Gobel and I graduated from the same high school, Roosevelt High School in Chicago. Anyway, a reply from you sure would be appreciated. I was also in the service during Korea but never caught your USO tours. Sure sorry about that! Anyway, stay healthy and happy, and I hope you answer this mail. Sincerely, Bob Reisman Beautiful and wonderful Pretty Perky Peggy! Many, many years ago (in 1985), I sat next to you on a flight to New York. I will never forget your warmth and kindness. You sent me an album (Peggy King Sings Jerome Kern) with a photo and message. The message read: "Dear Mark, What a thrill it was then to have met you and to have been introduced to My love to you and your family! (I didn't know your daughter lives in Mark Nash ... I was there - Saw you at Bryn Mawr Terrace on Wednesday. Enjoyed myself beyond I will always remember that night at the Bryn Mawr Terrace and Rich Richard Kephart . Hello, Peggy, . I am a retired Ravenna High School teacher and just found your website. How nice to see your Ravenna yearbook picture and the one in front of our school! Did you know they are now building a new Ravenna High School to open in 2010 . . . on South Chestnut Street near the new Robinson Memorial Hospital? . Wish I'd seen you when you returned to that Hall of Fame induction of yours. I have nominated two students recently. Congratulations!! . I have a CD with your songs (4 Girls) and your voice was wonderful. Of course, I remember you a little from the George Gobel Show, too. Ironically, retired Ravenna High School teacher Dean Singer also lives on Walnut Street! . I was Kent Roosevelt's salutatorian, Class of 1966! . God bless, and I hope you are doing well. . Sincerely, Miss Carol Kotun (Click here to go to Carol's tribute page.) I love my mom, too!! Wow! Never thought I'd be writing a message to my own mom here, but! I'm so happy to see how many of you remember Mom and that she added so much to your lives . . . nice. Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to extend a gigantic thank you to an extraordinary Web Master . . . you ROCK!!! Suzy ... Hi Peggy, Is this really you I'm writing to? I hope you're well. I'm a new fan. I was watching Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy and I just had to find out who that was singing You Came a Long Way from St Louis. Your website was fascinating. I really loved your music. Are there any tracks older than Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe? That was such an unexpected contrast to St. Louis and I'm Gonna Put Some Glue Round the Christmas Tree - that was cute. I was raised listening to classic rock and it's such a wonderful change to hear something done so tastefully and elegantly and professionally; the standards for musicianship seem so much higher then. Would it be possible to get an autographed picture? I'm a musician myself and I have a room filled with pictures of musicians from Duke Ellington to Itzhak Perlman. I'd love to make a place for yours too! Thanks! Bruce Winters Hi Peggy, Jack R. English .. Dear Peggy, Ruth Cooke from North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania had informed me that you are related to us. She told me about a month ago. I found Ruth after I started my KING genealogy almost twenty years ago and have been searching for all the King families in Pennsylvania who may be related to Christian and Charlotte King's children. There are many, about 12 or 13 that I can figure. I understand that you are descended from Homer King. Ruth and I are descended from David King, our great grandfather. I have found a descendant of their first born, Mary King, too. Mary's descendant gave us a copy of Charlotte and Mary King. I think Ruth told you about the picture. I live in Ohio. My grandfather came here from Manor, Pennsylvania, not far from where Ruth lives in Westmoreland county. It has been with excitement that I've been blessed to find so many of us. And now Ruth has found you, adding to the excitement. I know that you are a very busy person so I don't want to take away from your day. If you ever have the chance to e-mail, please do. I would like that. Your distant cousin, .... Hello Peggy, . The first time I saw you was on a western show. I fell in love with you, as boys do with pretty girls. You were one of the prettiest girls that I saw on TV. I enjoyed your music later on, as I grew up. As I get to retirement age, I hope you stay active with releases of your music. It's nice to listen to good music, not some of this coyote howling they do now and call it singing. I wish you a long life and happiness to you. . Bill Beckham Mississippi October 14, 2008 . . Maverick performance . I just saw the Maverick show with Ms. King on it and her singing was incredible. I thought she did a marvelous job with the only the piano. It isn't easy to be so "naked". You can't hide in the arrangement with only the piano. Her acting was very well done. Honestly, she is the prettiest woman I've ever seen on Maverick. WOW! . "chipp b" September 16, 2008 . . Talented, yes; related, maybe Hello Peggy, One of those coming out of the woodwork. What good fortune to find your When you had your TV show in 1955, we use to watch you. Not only did we not want to miss your show because you sounded great, but seeing you was all the more special because Mom said you were related to us. The photo resembling Judy says you are the one and the fact you were born in Greensburg says you could be related. Descended from Christian King, I don't know the details, but David Jefferson King, Jr. was my grandfather. Hope to see you on TV again soon. Ruth H. Cooke Villa D'Este Will be leaving for Milan in a few weeks and when thinking of a special place to stay thought of the Villa D'Este . . . and you. Sue and I are still friends and think of you when we remember our fun friends. Hope everything is good . . . Blanche (Baker) My Dad Peggy, I'm writing this on behalf of my dad (although I'm quite old enough to My dad, Dr. John F. W. King, has always been particularly fond of your You probably don't remember him at this point (other than perhaps the My dad is on the verge of turning 94 on October 6 and now lives in a I know this is imposing on you, but I was wondering if you would be able If you could do this, his address is: Dr. John F. W. King I understand that you may not be able to send such a note but I thought John F. King Editor's note: Peggy remembers Dr. John F. W. King most fondly and has already been in touch with the writer. Splendid! Seeing you on "What's My Line" this morning (08/08/08) made my day. Regards, Don Reed What's My Line? Just saw the episode you were on - very funny. Kenny "Ace" From an Old Ravenna School Chum Hi Peggy, I tried sending another e-mail but don't believe it went through. At the expense of repeating, I'll try this way. I am Barbara Maines and have been following your career; however, just found your web site. My God, you NOW look like Debbie Reynolds . . . it used to be Judy. I have just published my first novel (Vegas Destiny on Amazon.com and Barnes&Nobel.com) after years of being a columnist for a Baton Rouge, La. newspaper. Now living just south of Memphis. I have always 'bragged' I used to play piano for Peggy King. I still play piano programs; all at once the songs I love have come back into style! Also, I still fly back to most of the school reunions and us 48 class 'girls' get together as frequently as we can. Great to see you are still singing. Barbara A note from Justin Hopkins Our Dear Peggy King!! Hi there! I'm lucky enough to call Peggy a dear friend. I'm a 24 year old aspiring opera singer, and Peggy is one of my greatest musical influences. It's so wonderful to read all the wonderful comments from people whose lives she touched over the years. I first sang with Peggy as a little boy soprano singing with the Philadelphia Boys Choir in 1994. Around that time, she gave me an unreleased studio recording of hers as a gift. I've been in love ever since, and have added other albums to my collection such as When You Wish Upon A Star, The Boy Next Door, and Oh, What a Memory We've Made Tonight. What shouldn't be surprising to anyone that knows Peggy is the fact that she sounds just as good today as she ever has. Love you Peggy, and I can't wait to see you when I'm back in town! Justin Hopkins Hello from Harry Prime Hi Peggy! Harry asked us to say hello to you after I found your website. Kim Kantner (Harry's daughter) and me, Larry Kantner, say hi too! We all wish you well too! Stay cool. Larry Kantner, V.P. Fond Memories of an Era That Will Never Return At the age of 13, my first visit to New York City included a trip to the Capitol Theatre to see Duke Ellington's orchestra featuring a little girl vocalist named Lena Horne. From that day forward I was hooked on Big Bands! The movie was 'Phantom of the Opera' with Nelson Eddy, Susannah Foster and Claude Rains. People in those days (the early 1940's) didn't go to see a movie. It was the thrilling stage shows that attracted folks. I remember seeing the orchestras of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Ted Lewis, Gene Krupa, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Sammy Kaye and the list goes on and on. I regret never having seen Glenn Miller. In 1949, the Ralph Flanagan band grabbed me by my ears and I was floored by Ralph's great Glenn Miller 'sound.' Other bands with the Miller sound followed. Britain's Ted Heath, Latin America's Luis Acaraz, our own Ray Anthony among others became Glenn Miller 'cover' bands. But Flanagan had them all beat and became the top dance band in the late 1940's and early 1950's. I first saw the Flanagan band at Frank Daily's Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, NJ in 1949 (or 1950), when a young girlby the name of Evelyn Joyce won a contest and became the first girl vocalist with the band. I and three other Flanagan fans ran Ralph's fan club. When Peggy Kingcame aboard, it was clear the band had the perfect pairing with boy band vocalist, Harry Prime, who had sung with the Tommy Dorsey, Randy Brooks and Jack Fina orchestras. One might say Peggy was pretty perky in those days (even before George Gobel dubbed her 'Pretty, Perky, Peggy King') and thankfully that moniker holds true to this very day! Both Peggy and Harry were gracious to their fans and even allowed me to take a photo (see below) of them back-stage at (I believe) the Statler Hotel in New York City, and I'm sorry I don't remember the year. Actually, at 78 I'm lucky to remember my name! I do remember visiting Peggy in a hospital after she suffered an appendicitis attack and even she remembered that incident. I sincerely hope her marvelous music will someday be reissued along with her current offerings and you fans out there can write to your local newspapers and magazines requesting more airtime for songs sung by this great lady who will always be Pretty, Perky, Peggy King to us fans! 
Massapequa, New York March 7, 2008 ' The Wonderful Miss Peggy King! So glad to hear there is now an official site. I, too, fell in love with Peggy King on the George Gobel Show at the age of 9 or so. I thought she was THE cutest, sweetest, most talented young lady ever. I idolized her, couldn't imagine anyone I would rather grow up to be! At that time I had a rather esoteric collection of 45's (my father worked briefly for a radio station and brought home some interesting stuff). I had the Peggy King recording of Zero Hour backed with No Sleep Till Dawn. I played the B-side so much it's a wonder I didn't wear the record out. Unfortunately, in one of her forays into my record collection, my mother made that single disappear sometime during my teenage years and I have been looking for a copy ever since - or an album/CD containing the latter song. If anyone can help, please let me know! Victoria Friscia Peggy King After hearing Peggy King singing Hunts commercials, Peggy showed up at Rosemead High School, in Rosemead, California and performed at an 'assembly' in 1954 for some very lucky students. It was a performance that I have not been able to forget. Her appearance on numerous television shows just added to her allure. It would have been great to see her in Southern California, if I had only heard about it in time to travel from Northern California. I hope the web site will let her fans know about future appearances. Shelley Giles Thoroughly enjoyed the site . . . I came across your site by accident this rainy evening. I was a little girl (7-10 years old) when I watched the Gobel show and thought Peggy King was just the princess I hoped to be some day. The forehead-to-forehead routine was about as sensual as anything I could get my brain around at that age! I even recall missing an outing at the lake at age eleven because I feared I wouldn't be home in time to see the Maverick episode. Anne Scrivner (Click here for more from Anne!) |
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