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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. 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Leah@Ryerson <lstanwyk@ACS.RYERSON.CA>
To: F_MINOR@email.rutgers.edu <F_MINOR@email.rutgers.edu>
Date: Thursday, January 24, 2002 2:56 PM
Subject: Re: Peggy Lee

>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.