164 entries.
My first exposure to Peter Nero was in the mid-1960s, when on Christmas my parents gave me a Peter Nero record album as a present. They also gave my older brother a Peter Nero record. Mine was "Peter Nero In Person." As a young teenager I was impressed by his finesse on the piano, and I was also tickled by the witticisms and asides he included in the recording. Almost 60 years later, I still listen to Peter's recordings. Just a few days ago, in fact, I dug out a cassette tape(!) of a recording Peter made with the Rochester Philharmonic. It was issued by Pro-Arte in 1991. Rochester happens to be my hometown, and I was a scholarship recipient in the Eastman School of Music's Preparatory Department in Rochester, New York, where I studied trombone. What a great recording that cassette turned out to be. It included Peter's usual admixture of classical, popular, and jazz genres. The music brought a smile to my face. I've listened to the tape several times now. I look forward to listening to it again. Saddened by Peter's passing, I extend my sincere condolences to his surviving family members, friends, and fans--of whom I was and always will be.
Thank you for the music, mister Peter Nero. « Hello Dolly», from the album « Songs You Won’t Forget», rings non stop in my ears. As far as I’m concerned, that track is the ultimate instrumental version of that song. The title of the album was right. We won’t forget. Thanks again for the music.
Peter Nero provided the soundtrack for my early childhood. My Dad loved him along with Al Hirt, Pete Fountain and Buddy Rich. What a band THAT would have made. "Up Close" was the first Nero album my Dad bought and he played it daily on his big stereo next to his reclioner in the living room. To this day, I know every note of that album. Mr. Nero taught me about music simply by how he played and how he arranged tunes. His Tijuana Brass tribute album married by Dad's favorite musicioan with the first band I discovered on my own as a young boy. It was eye opening but should not have been a surprise as Mr. Nero was constantly breaking down and morphing musical genres. I was fortunate to see him perform live five times, including four with my Dad — magical moments for a father and son who enjoyed music and reveled in great music — the kind Peter Nero arranged, played and shared with the world. I hope Mr. Nero and my Dad are playing "Dueling Pianos" up in heaven today. I know who would win that duel (sorry, Dad), but it sure would be something to hear.
— Bob Johnson (a Peter Nero fan for 60 years at age 65)
Peter Nero was one of Edie's People on Channel 10. He was a very cool man!
https://youtu.be/kw49nUIGwoA
Deepest, heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a music legend, with thanks for all the years of beautiful music. 🕯🌹
Peter Nero, to paraphrase his words about the Philly Pops, was the Best Conductor of His Kind in the Entire Cosmos. The world has become a little darker with his recent death. I feel honored to have met him and to have briefly spoken to him. He was one of a kind.
I was so saddened to learn of Mr. Nero’s passing.
The world of music now has a gap no person can ever fill.
We saw Mr. Nero play as a solo pianist. We saw him play with a trio. We saw him play with an orchestra. We also saw him conduct the Pops. In all cases he was without compare, a master.
His music will live on forever, but his genius will be missed.
Though I knew of you and your work, the dear, young friends I'm staying with here in Honolulu have just discovered you by way of album, Tender is the Night. I'd write more, but I'm getting very, very sleepy. 😉 Seriously, your music is so wonderful.
Finally saw Porgy and Bess (1959) and revisited your superb unequaled medley. Thank you for so much joy since the 1960's.
I have rediscovered On Tour. It gave me chills 40 years ago and did again this morning. Sad to see it is not available on CD.
Peter you are the best! Hope to see u in Seattle area in future
Greetings Mr Nero from one who discovered your piano playing for the frist time tonight while searching the internet on behalf of a student for different versions of 'Mountain Greenery'.
And who then then spent a long time marvelling at a selection of your performances from various contexts ... each astounding and delightful to my ears.
Writing late at night in London, feeling grateful for the surprise gift of this happy new discovery it strikes me that jazz pianists ( of any stripe or ability ) listening to the inspired musical drama of your jazz improvisations should not put off by the fact that we cant play the piano like you !
We should resist the understandable desire to give up the piano as Oscar Peterson famously did for a while upon hearing Art Tatum for the first time.
Instead we might just enjoy your music and aspire to develop in our own playing aspects of your magnificent range of expression.
With thanks and all best wishes,
Adam Glasser
Hello, my name is Elise Nanista, my dad, Richard Nanista played the bass with you. I’d really like to get into contact, please email me at elisenanista@gmail.com.
I'm much younger, but I just discovered you via your "Christmas Medley" that appears on the Real Gone Music "Great Songs of Christmas" CD. I look forward to exploring your work further. Thank you
Dear Peter Nero,
I know I have written to you before but do not see it here so I am writing again. I first heard you play when I was in college in 1962-1966. My boyfriend at the time would take me to your concerts and I still have your autograph form when he took me backstage in San Francisco to meet you. We were supposed to see you in Santa Clara Calif when it was cancelled due to the assassination of President Kennedy. On our 20th anniversary, my husband surprised me with tickets to Philadelphia to see you for a holiday show. We flew there from Denver for the weekend. I was so excited I could hardly contain my enthusiasm. But we did not realize that you would not be the pianist, you were the conductor! I was so disappointed! You played part of one song and was so unmistakably YOU, the music I have loved for so many years. Now, I listen to you on Pandora. I am playing you now, and I am almost in tears- your music is still so stirring and beautiful. Will I ever see you play again? Oh- please come to Denver and play with our symphony! Please!! Wishing you all the best, and THANK YOU Mr Nero for the joy you have given me and countless others.
I sure wish you would do a show (or two) in the Seattle area. Love your music and your command of the keys!
Just listening to one of my old records: The music of George Gershwin with Peter Nero, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Great recording, beautiful arrangements and fantastic piano playing. Thanks for the music.
I had your mother as a teacher in the 60’s At James Madison high school in Brooklyn .!!!
Happy Birthday Mr Nero. You are simply the best!
Thank you!. I’m hearing Peter Nero’s summer of 42....,the vinilo Original ... my emocion goes to the tears ( sorry for my poor english) THANK YOU. Very Much!!!
Simplesmente mágico! Maravilhoso! Gratidão por seu talento!
Dear Mr Nero,
I am listening to "Piano Forte" right now, I adore your work, hope I get to catch you live!
Happy Birthday Peter,
In honor of your birthday I listened to two of my favorites, Fantasy and Improvisations (for about the 5 thousandth time) and the Peter Nero Now album recorded at Concord Jazz Studio. Wishing you today as much joy your music brings me. thanks you.
Happy Birthday, Peter! I have always treasured your arrangements. They are full of class and imagination. I wish the album, "The Screen Scene" would be released on CD or on mp3. That's my favorite! God bless you always.
Mr. Nero, I was 18 years old when I became fascinated by you, your music style and performances at the Academy of Music. One of my happiest moments was seeing you in the Jacobs Music Store in Center City (Philly) on Chestnut Street playing a piano behind closed doors. I peeked through the window you turned look at me with a smile and waved. I'm 62 now and still remember the wonderful feeling I felt that day. I wish you all the best. Paula
Suffice it to say I ADORE YOU & live for your music. Your talent is off the charts. Much love, Mr. Nero.
Is there a 2019 concert schedule? Why not come back to the Seattle area?
Mr Nero
I just wanted to say thank you. You have brought great pleasure to my music listening life. I was introduced to your music by my mom who loved you as well. She was 10 years your senior, and passed in 2016, and I 20 years your junior. From my earliest memories my mom would put on your records and we listened together! Thank you again!
I wish you the very best of happiness, blessings and peace. We are dear friends even though we have never met. Love you brother!
Bernie,
I've been trying to reconnect with you for years. Some of our correspondence now resides in the Special Collections Library of the University of Virginia, where I taught in the Psychology Department for 33 years. Hope you'll respond.
Arthur
No current news about concerts. Is Peter Nero still playing concert tours? Website does not have any current information. Did he retire? Would appreciate a response.