Peter Appleyard

ENTERTAINMENT

Peter Appleyard is one of Canada’s best known musicians. Born in Cleethorpes, England, he began drumming in the ’20s, with British dance bands. He moved to Scarborough in 1954, where he began playing the vibraphone.

A musician and composer, Peter’s biggest music breakthrough came in the early ’70s, when asked to join famed jazz musician Benny Goodman.

Mr. Goodman quickly recognized Peter’s talent, making him a full band member and providing him with the opportunity to play for music icons such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme. Peter has performed in many famous venues, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, and spent eight years with Benny Goodman’s band.

In 1961, Peter went on to co-host his own CBC Radio show with singer Patti Lewis and later moved to CBC Television, to star in Peter Appleyard Presents, a variety show produced in Toronto and syndicated throughout North America.

Peter has worked with many Canadian artists, including Diana Krall, Anne Murray, Oscar Peterson and Hagood Hardy.

The recipient of many awards and honours, including The Order of Canada, Peter counts his Scarborough Civic Award of Merit as one of his most treasured.