by Shanon Weaver
Picture this: Los Angeles, early 1982. You’re new to L.A. and you’ve got a gig delivering singing telegrams. Your job today? Head down to Century City to let Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange know (via song, of course) that they’ve been cast in a little film called “Tootsie.”
If you’re Peggy Lohr, this is just one of the many incredible moments in your life. If you’re not, well…read on and learn about more of them!
When speaking with Peggy Lohr – née Peggy Lauren Horwoods – it’s clear that you're in the presence of a life filled with music, movies, and joy…not to mention an unstoppable drive. Her journey from starry-eyed Dallas native to celebrated vocalist in Hollywood is not just a tale of ambition – it’s a nod to what we can achieve if we never give up on our dreams.
"I grew up with a really sweet family that loved movies and music," Peggy recalls. "My dad played the piano, and my mom loved movies. Oscar night in our house was like a religious holiday. We'd all gather around the TV, knowing all the songs because we'd already bought all the music."
Peggy's early life was a whirlwind of piano, voice, dance, and acting lessons. Her parents nurtured her interests, recognizing her natural talent and encouraging her to explore. The defining moment for Peggy came when she was six years old, singing a solo at a father-daughter Valentine dance.
"From that night, I had it all mapped out,” she says. “I was going to Hollywood, and nothing could stop me.”
Her journey began in earnest at the University of Texas at Austin, singing with choirs and traveling to Europe as part of an Ambassadors of Friendship tour. In Austin, she met members of the UT Jazz Ensemble, which led to gigs and connections with notable musicians.
Peggy soon moved back to Dallas, performing at The Dome (a nightclub on the third floor of Dallas landmark Reunion Tower) with her band, Peggy Lauren and Carnival. She’d call that room home for a couple of years, but her big break came when a connection there transferred to L.A., leading her band to perform at the Hyatt in Beverly Hills. In L.A., Peggy's talent and tenacity opened doors. She performed at a jazz club frequented by studio executives and caught the attention of a Warner Brothers music head. This led to her role as the "Demo Girl" for renowned lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman, recording demos of songs that would become iconic. Her collaborations with top composers like Dave Grusin and Michel Legrand were career highlights, thanks to her work with the Bergmans.
In 1985, Peggy met her husband, a talented pianist who had worked with legends like Lou Rawls and Al Jarreau. They became the quintessential "La La Land" couple, even playing at the Oscars' Governor's Ball for several years.
"I was eight months pregnant when we first got that gig," she recalls. "But we made it work, even with a newborn."
The 1994 Northridge earthquake prompted a move to Branson, Missouri, where Peggy and her husband worked with Andy Williams and the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. After five years, they returned to Dallas, where Peggy began a new chapter as an elementary school teacher, integrating her musical background into her teaching.
"I became the assembly person for 17 years," she says. "I got to do what I love and share it with the kids."
Even in teaching, Peggy's talents shone, earning her Teacher of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award in her very first year – a fact she still laughs about to this day.
Retiring in 2019, Peggy has continued to sing, performing at retirement homes, private parties, and venues like the Sammons Center for the Arts. Her versatility is key to her long career, from jazz gigs to rock and roll shows.
"I can do pretty much anything," she says. "It's not work for me; it's fun."
The pandemic gave Peggy the time to pen her memoir, "Howdy, Hollywood," a collection of her life's stories intertwined with her musical experiences. The book has been well-received, with Peggy performing a show that includes songs and stories from it.
As Peggy continues to perform and share her story, she embodies the adage, "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life."
“As long as you are getting up out of bed daily, and you've got something creative to do with your day, it's a good day,” she says.
We couldn’t agree more! Check out Peggy’s book, “Howdy, Hollywood” on Amazon today!
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