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Re: Peggy Lee
I don't have any problem
at all believing your story about Peggy Lee. As consumers and audience members,
all we get to see of artists is their art and their aspirations for
perfection.
Backstage, the quest for
perfection is hell on the staff. That's just the way it is when you want things
perfect.
I'm lucky. I chose a kind
of creative work that's almost entirely just me -- no orchestra, no band, no
technicians, no partners. And I know how relentlessly merciless and -- well,
bitchy -- I am on myself when I'm not perfect.
I've always had the perception -- or
projection or fantasy -- that GG was a lovely guy. But I wouldn't have wanted to
be a technician or a supporting musician and get between him and his desire to
make a perfect recording.
The quest for perfection in art is
beyond manners, beyond civility, beyond thoughtfulness. And now and then, after
a lot of hurt feelings and bitter encounters, we get some beautiful music.
Is it worth it? When you look at the CD
collection that you've paid hundreds, thousands of dollars for, you're probably
looking at a huge volume of hidden shouting and insulting and hurt feelings and
bitterness.
>My father worked with Peggy Lee on a few occasions at the Royal
York in
>T.O. and, although talented, he claims she was always very bitchy
to the
>band. Oh well - talent and interpersonal skills do not
necessarily go
>hand in hand! Cheers!
>
>L.S.