Listening to this stunning collection of songs from the 40s through the 60s from the bluesy, indomitable Miss Lee is not as much a blast from the past as a smoldering, come-hither nudge as only Peggy can deliver. These recordings sound better than ever and four CDs are just the right amount to adequately represent the various styles of music and collaborators this genuine American original has complemented. Her fading health in recent years seems to have dimmed Miss Lee's contribution to the world of music, elevating Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and Billie Holiday to higher rungs at the same time. My advice is to listen to this collection of classics and be reminded, ever so subtly, of the brilliance of this musical genius and startlingly original visionary artist.

I have no quarrel with the talents of Peggy Lee. Certainly she is one of our best jazz/pop singers and has been so for many decades. Her album with George Shearing called "Beauty And The Beat" would be on my Top Ten Desert Island Discs. However, this quite expensively priced, 4 CD set has a "sameness" to too many of the arrangements and presentations.

Although we've all heard the Peggy Lee of the sexy, almost whispered, come-hither phrasing, (think: "Is That All There Is?") she has proved herself capable of so much more. And with a few exceptions, this set delivers too many of those undersung, quiet-to-a-fault performances. When you hear the all-too-few selections from the above-mentioned "Beauty And The Beat" you'll hear a refreshing change of pace.

Lee can belt, she can do Broadway, certainly she swings, and her taste in songs is perfect. Then why do song after song (and there are over 100 in this collection) sound much too similar here? I'm not enough of a musician to answer my own question, but I know it's true. And it's a disappointment.

Want a good sampling of Peggy Lee's artistry? Choose your own selection of 4 of her CD's, making sure that on one she sings with a small combo, another with a full orchestra and be certain that the arrangements were done by different people.

To say Peggy Lee can sing anything successfully is an understatement. I know it's been said of others but it is certainly true of Peggy that she could sing the phone book and it would be a most wonderful listening experience.

What I like most about this collection that it contains many of her great recordings from the early Capitol years 1945 through 1951 and her second reign at Capitol from 1958 through the early 70s. Peggy's sound and style changed dramatically overtime as if she were truly finding her voice. The early recordings Waitin for the Train to Come In and I Don't Know Enough About You hint at the vocalist she would become as the 50s became the 60s. By the time Peggy was recording for Capitol the second time around(after a few years with Decca and Mr. Wonderful, Black Coffee, Lover and Let Me Go Lover) she had became the jazz singer everyone knew she could be. Her pop recordings even showed the jazz side of her powers. After Fever hit the top 10 in 1958 everything Peggy did was a success (whether it hit the charts or didn't) and her albums became the best presentation of her song stylings. This set includes most of the later singles which were prolific and many of which are still my favorities: Pass Me By, Big Spender, You've Got Possiblities, Walking Happy, So What's New? and Is that All There Is?

While doing my DJ stint, I remember picking "Is That All There Is?" as our pick hit and everyone else telling me 'that will never make it'. Much to their surprise and my joy it became Peggy's biggest in years. They are all here for you to enjoy.

Peggy Lee: stunningly beautiful, gifted with a great voice and consummate style. She was/is truly one of a kind!

This is a lovely collection. Peggy Lee is a very talented entertainer. There a great deal of variety in this collection, from the way the arragements are done, to the ensembles used, to the way the lyrics are sung. It is amazing how many ways, how many "voices" Peggy Lee uses as she sings, from sultry to vulnerable to playful.

The booklet that comes with the collection (76 pages) is full of interesting information about Miss Peggy Lee and the songs included.

This collection is well worth the money!