Peter Nero

Peter Nero, born Bernard Nierow on May 22, 1934, in New York City, is an American pianist and pops conductor. He began his formal music training at age seven under Frederick Bried and later studied part-time at the Juilliard School of Music. Nero made his television debut at 17, performing "Rhapsody in Blue" on Paul Whiteman's TV special. His first album, recorded as Bernie Nerow in July 1957, showcased his technical virtuosity in jazz. In 1962, he won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and another for Best Performance By An Orchestra Or Instrumentalist With Orchestra - Primarily Not Jazz Or For Dancing the following year for The Colorful Peter Nero. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including Career Girls (1965), Up Close (1966), I've Gotta Be Me (1969), and Summer of '42 (1971). Nero composed the musical score for the motion picture Sunday in New York (1963), which was nominated for a Golden Globe. He directed the Philly Pops from 1979 to 2013, earning two Grammy Awards and eight nominations throughout his career. Nero collaborated with notable musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, and Elton John. His final albums included Love Songs For A Rainy Day and More In Love. He died of natural causes on July 6, 2023, at an assisted living facility in Eustis, Florida.