Peggy Lee wasn’t the primary to file Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s “I’m A Woman,” but if she did, she owned it fully. A vintage instance of the writing duo’s good and sassy narratives, its daring and liberated lyrics depicted a lady who may just handle herself, and of her guy, on the similar time.

“I will rub and scrub ’til this previous home is shinin’ like a dime, feed the newborn, grease the auto, and powder my face on the similar time,” she sang. Then: “For those who come to me hungry you understand I’m gonna fill you stuffed with grits, if it’s lovin’ you’re likin’, I’ll kiss you and provide the shiverin’ suits. ‘Cos I’m a lady, W-O-M-A-N, I’ll say it once more!” Even listening from the gap of a Capitol Information 45, you may doubt her at your peril.

“I’m A Woman” used to be first launched in a horn-laden, brassy model in Might 1962 through soul-gospel artist Christine Kittrell. That studying, on Vee-Jay, loved native motion in Chicago however undeservedly neglected out on nationwide chart honors, giving Lee and Capitol the chance for the vocal stylist to remake it in her alluring approach. The manufacturer used to be “Large” Dave Cavanaugh, and the accompaniment through Benny Carter’s Orchestra.

In its December 1, 1962 factor, Money Field reviewed Lee’s unlock admiringly, writing: “Performer delightfully represents the enticing semi-narrative blueser, which tells of a gal who’ll wager there’s not anything she will’t do, from being a housewife to portray the city purple. Might ranking with giant deejay passion.” Later that month, Capitol’s industry promoting used to be calling it “Every other ‘Fever’!”

Concentrate to the most productive of Peggy Lee on Apple Tune and Spotify.

The one entered the Billboard Scorching 100 for January 5, 1963 at a promising No.75, 2nd simplest amongst that week’s debutants to the Rooftop Singers’ “Stroll Proper In.” However whilst that Forefront unlock went all of the strategy to No.1, Lee climbed no upper than No.54. It used to be her first singles chart access at eager about greater than 3 and a part years, and perfect top since that signature “Fever” hit of 1958, however scant praise for a wonderful recording. By way of February 1963, the music was the name observe of Lee’s new album, which additionally integrated variations of “Mack the Knife” and “A Style of Honey.”

Later readings of “I’m A Woman” integrated one through Fontella Bass in 1966, forward of the ones through Maria Muldaur in 1974 and Reba McEntire in 1979. Muldaur had sung at the Jim Kweskin Jug Band’s model as lengthy prior to as 1965. Bette Midler took it on in 2005, for the Barry Manilow-produced Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook. Much more not too long ago, the music used to be given a rocking remedy through feminine quartet WOMAN for Breast Most cancers Consciousness Month, with visitor guitar through Queen’s Brian Might.

Purchase or flow “I’m A Woman” at the Final Peggy Lee compilation.

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