THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

468-Peggy Lee-Fever.

1958-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 2.28. Peggy Lee was the inspiration for the Muppet character ‘Miss Piggy.’ Originally called ‘Miss Piggy Lee,’ the name was shortened to Miss Piggy when the Muppet’s became well known.

‘Fever’ was co-written by Eddie Cooley, (1933-2020) and Otis Blackwell (1931-2002,) who used the pseudonym John Davenport due to contractual commitments, John Davenport was the name of Blackwell’s stepfather. Blackwell was a influential figure in the development of ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ and an early inspiration to a young Elvis Presley. Songs written, or co-written by Blackwell include,’Don’t Be Cruel,’ ‘All Shook Up,’ and ‘Return to Sender,’ all hits for Presley, he was also the writer of ‘Great Balls of Fire’ made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis (see also best songs 99.)

The first version of ‘Fever’ was recorded by the American R&B singer Little Willie John (1937-1968) in 1956. His version reached Number 24 on Billboard, but made Number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart. Little Willie John’s sister is Mabel John who has recorded for Tamla Motown, and Stax Records, she was also a member of The Raelettes, who were Ray Charles backing group. Other notable recordings of the song include the 1993 version by Madonna, which made Number 6 in the UK, and the 1960 recording by Elvis Presley, from his Album ‘Elvis Is Back!’, whose arrangement is based on the Peggy Lee arrangement.Peggy Lee was born Norma Deloris Egstrom on May 26th, 1920, in Jamestown, North Dakota, United States, she died on January 21st, 2002 from complications from diabetes, and a heart attack. As well as being a singer, recording 58 studio Albums between 1948-1993, she was also a songwriter, writing, or co-writing over 270 songs, including all the original songs for the 1955 Disney film ‘Lady and the Tramp. She was also an actress starring in the 1952 re-make of the film ‘The Jazz Singer’.

In 1958 Peggy Lee recorded her cover version of ‘Fever,’ with rewritten lyrics she composed herself, these include the verses beginning with ‘Romeo Loved Juliet,’ and ‘Captain Smith and Pocahontas. Lee also significantly rearranged the song from the original by slowing the tempo, and using minimal instrumentation. The bass was played by Joe Mondragon (1920-1987) and the very limited drum set was by Shelly Manne. (1920-1984) As to who provided the famous ‘finger snaps’ it is unsure,with Lee, Manne, the guitarist Howard Roberts, and the songs producer Dave Cavanaugh all sited as possibles.

‘Now you’ve listened to my story, here’s the point that I have made. Chicks were born to give you fever, be it fahrenheit or centigrade, they give you fever.’