Peggy Lee holds a special place in the history of American popular and jazz music. From her birth on May 26, 1920, to her final recording on August 26, 1995, to the New Yorker's obituary from February of 2002, this chronological record covers every moment of her professional life. Detailed entries describe recordings (both albums and songs), radio and television appearances, her work in films, and her songwriting efforts, drawing from interviews with Lee and others, nightclub and concert reviews, and a wealth of other sources. Appendices list CD releases of Lee's recordings and the songs she composed. Illustrated with many rare photographs.

A brilliant woman who happened to disrobe for a living, Gypsy Rose Lee was commonly known as the "intellectual stripper." Born Rose Louis Hovick in 1911, she had meager beginnings, no formal education, and a mentally ill stage mother who never failed to criticize and demean her daughter. This book details how, despite these hurdles, Gypsy climbed to the peak of every career she tackled. It chronicles her triumphs as an actress, novelist, playwright, artist, political activist, and, ultimately, a star. Three appendices include details on Gypsy's will and estate, the original production and Broadway revivals of her play Gypsy, and complete filmographies and discographies. The book also includes many rare and never-before-published photographs.