Jazz Legend Jeanne Arland Peterson Dies at 91

Editor's Note: This article was written by James Warden.

Minnesota jazz pioneer and long-time Richfield resident Jeanne Arland Peterson died Sunday at Eden Prairie’s Castle Ridge nursing home at the age of 91. 

Peterson, who grew up in Minneapolis, 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.

She also had one son who was born with Down’s syndrome and died of leukemia at the age of 2. Afterward, Peterson got involved with ARC of Minnesota and helped with its annual benefit concert each year.

She was inducted into the Minnesota Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986,the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Museum of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2005. She also was the first woman to be honored with the Arts Midwest Jazz Masters award, which she received in 1977. 

Governors Rudy Perpich and Arne Carlson both recognized her contributions to the state by declaring a day in her honor.

Related:

• City Council to Honor Famed Musician Jeanne Arland Peterson
  
  
• Famed Richfield Pianist Helps Carry on Tradition