Michael Peterson | |
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Michael Peterson performing aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, December 2005
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michael James Peterson |
Born | August 7, 1959 |
Origin | Richland, Washington, United States |
Genres | Country |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
Instruments | Vocals, Acoustic guitar |
Years active | 1996–present |
Labels | Reprise, Monument |
Associated acts | Robert Ellis Orrall, Josh Leo |
Website | http://www.michaelpetersonmusic.com/ |
Michael James Peterson (born August 7, 1959) is an American country music artist. He made his debut on the country music scene in 1997 with his self-titled debut album, which produced five Top 40 hits on Billboards Hot Country Singles & Tracks, including the Number One hit "From Here to Eternity". Peterson's second album, 1999's Being Human, produced two more chart singles, and a third album, 2004's Modern Man, was issued only in Europe. Peterson also made a cameo appearance on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.
Michael Peterson was born in Tucson, Arizona on August 7, 1959. At an early age, he was influenced by the music that his grandmother listened to, such as Cole Porter and Roger Miller.
After attending high school at Richland High School in Richland, WA, Peterson later earned a football scholarship to Pacific Lutheran University, where he won a national championship. One of his teammates, Brad Westering, was also working as a producer for Deniece Williams at the time. Through Westering, Peterson got the opportunity to write songs for Williams, as well as gospel headliners The Imperials. This all led to the production of Peterson’s first release, “Michael Peterson”, a collection of contemporary Christian songs, on Sparrow Records in 1986. Eventually, Peterson traveled to Nashville, Tennessee where he started working as a professional songwriter, collaborating with other writers such as Josh Leo and Robert Ellis Orrall.