Minnesota jazz pioneer Jeanne Arland Peterson died Sunday at Eden Prairie’s Castle Ridge nursing home at the age of 91.
Peterson, who grew up in Minneapolis and lived in Richfield as an adult, started playing the piano when she was 3 years old, although she didn’t have her first lesson until she was 15.
That same year, she had her first paying “gig” with her brother, saxophonist Donald Pouliot.
“My brother Donald was in a band, and the female singer got married,” she told Patch in 2011. “So I went down to his band, tried out, and got the job.”
The band leaders were doubly impressed when Peterson, after learning the band’s pianist didn’t know the number she wanted to sing at her audition, offered to play piano as well.
Peterson’s tryout with her brother’s band marked the beginning of a long and successful career. In 1940, while still in high school, she landed a job as a staff vocalist and pianist with WCCO Radio—where she would appear on popular programs that included Breakfast with Bob, As You Like It, WCCO Barn Dance, Show Boat and others. She spent 22 years with the station.
During that time, Peterson also performed at nightclubs and participated in numerous recording sessions. She entertained with celebrities like Bob Hope, Perry Como, Red Skelton and Dianne Carroll.
After her husband Willie Peterson died in 1969, she took over his job as organist at Minnesota Twins games.
Peterson also raised five children—all of whom became professional musicians. The family performed in holiday concerts across the metro, most recently at a Hopkins Center for the Arts concert in December that marked Peterson’s retirement.
Read more: http://edenprairie.patch.com/groups/obituaries/p/jazz-pioneer-jeanne-arland-peterson-dies-at-91
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