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.
Pink Panther theme.
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?
The first album I ever bought ( which I still have!) is one of Peter Nero’s! I think it had a medley of WEST SIDE STORY songs!
And you still have it! What a treasure. Thanks, Jeani!
I believe we had a recording of his.
What fun! Thank you, Annette.
I remember his name and certainly all the songs you listed. Very talented artist!
Thank you, Lori. I’ve found two people who still have his music, one was her very first album!
I remember Peter Nero. I enjoyed his music, but I never bought his records.
We just bought piano music, but I just learned that the first album bought by a neighbor girl was Peter Nero’s!
I remember him and all the songs you’ve listed, which are part of the soundtrack of my youth!
Thank you, Liz. I found one woman whose very first album was by Peter Nero!
You’re welcome, Joy!
I remember Nero’s name, but I did not know he wrote those popular songs. 🙂
I found someone (a younger neighbor farm girl) whose first album was one of his!
She must have had very good taste in music from an early age-like you! 😁
Heard of him certainly, and probably even listened to him play, but never knew anything about him.
Thanks, Dennis. I’d nearly forgotten. . .
Yes, Jill
Thank you, Bob.
Correction at 80, Joy
I never saw him perform in any capacity, but of course he remains a big name here in the Philly area because of that long-time direction of the Philly Pops. Used to see him highlighted and interviewed on the local news many times over the years. From what I know of him, he was a unique artist and performer.
Thanks, Bruce, for your note!