On stage: ‘Pretty, perky Peggy King’ will be appearing with The All-Star Jazz Trio at Act II Playhouse in Ambler on Oct. 5.
Her given name is Peggy King. But when the singer appeared on The George Gobel Show back in the ’50s, old lonesome George said she was “pretty and perky,” and that moniker just stuck.
Today, “pretty, perky Peggy King,” now age 84, who has worked in films and television with every star imaginable, continues to show audiences what she can do. She will be appearing with The All-Star Jazz Trio at Act II Playhouse in Ambler for one night only, Oct. 5.
Born in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, King says she could always sing, and got her start with the bands of Charlie Spivak, Ralph Flanagan and Ray Anthony. She was also featured on an early TV series with Mel Torme.
“Eventually, I could tell things were beginning to happen for me so I moved out to California,“ King said. “But I think I got really lucky when I was hired for George’s show. It was a wonderfully written show and we lasted for three seasons. I had done TV before, but I think that was my move to the big time.”
Over the years, King also enjoyed a film career, appearing in such films as the suspense thriller Zero Hour and The Bad and the Beautiful. She also recorded best-selling albums including Wish Upon A Star and Girl Meets Boy, as well as a string of hit singles.
“There have been many highlights in my career, but I would say one of the highlights was my one-screen rendition of When Liberace Winks At Me in the award-winning HBO film, Behind the Candelabra,” she said.
King continued to enjoy a flourishing career until 1961, when she met and married After Six formal wear founder Sam Rudofker. She moved to Philadelphia, and home and family became her №1 priority.
Today, she’s been called “ageless” by a number of columnists, and who could give a better description of King, who was among the first stars to be honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was also inducted in the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
And ever since she was introduced to the Philadelphia-based All-Star Jazz Trio and began performing with them, her voice and her talent have been gaining new audiences everywhere.
”From the first minute I heard them, I loved them,” she said. “They knew me and my work and asked me to sing with them. Well, I agreed and that was the beginning. It’s been a wonderful alliance ever since. I knew then I had found my home.”
And audiences at Act II will have a chance to sample what that wonderful alliance can do.
“We’ll be doing numbers from the Great American Songbook. We’ll be doing some Rodgers and Hart, some Gershwin, and maybe even some Cole Porter. I promise you it’ll be a wonderful night.”
Additionally, on most Wednesday evenings, King and the Trio can be heard at Square on Square, a little club in the heart of Chinatown, where King again promises a wonderful experience.
“I continue to sing at least two to three times a week. It’s what I do and what I love to do.” ••
Act II is located at 59 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler. The show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Call 215–654–0200.
