Does anyone remember Peter Nero?

As a high schooler, I’d enjoyed watching pianist Peter Nero perform on the Perry Como and Ed Sullivan TV shows. We even had one of his piano books at home.

So when I was in college, I wrote a $2 check to the State College of Iowa, November 7, 1963, so I could attend his concert on the 14th.

Peter Nero was born Bernard Nierow in1934. He directed the Philly Pops from 1979 to 2013, and earned two Grammy Awards, including for Best New Artist in 1962, plus a total of 8 nominations.

From The College Eye, November 22, 1963, by Feature Writer Mary Mews:

Pianist Backstage: What Is Peter Nero Really Like?

“Handsome, humorous, and superbly skilled describes Peter Nero as he captured the SCI audience with his performance Monday night.

“Nero was active in many charitable causes, including school music programs, arts centers, as well as research on cancer, dystonia and autism.”

More about Peter Nero.

The Mexican Shuffle.

Pink Panther theme.

A Taste of Honey.

The Theme from “The Summer of ’42”

That was my sophomore year. I worked my way through the last three years and rarely was able to attend a concert, but this one was fun since I’d enjoyed attempting to play his arrangements while in high school.

Does anyone remember him?