Just a day after the announcement of the passing of painter Alex Colville, comes news that Canada has lost another world-class artist.
Peter Appleyard passed away on Wednesday at age 84, of natural causes at his farm in Eden Mills, Ontario
He was a hugely respected vibraphonist who toured with the Benny Goodman band for almost 10 years. He also shared the bandstand with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Mel Torme.
Originally born in England, he became a professional musician as a drummer in WWII for Royal Air Force bands. In 1949, on his way to a hotel gig in Bermuda, a missed flight in New York City enabled him to hear Lionel Hampton improvise on vibes. He became enchanted and immediately bought a set of vibes and practiced for the next 18 months.
In 1951 he emigrated to Toronto,Canada, and was soon a familiar performer in the jazz scene rubbing shoulders with the likes of Duke Ellington and Clark Terry.
After years leading his own band, he hosted CBC radio and TV musical shows, before joining the Goodman band in 1972.
In 1992 he received the Order of Canada, and has also been awarded the Oscar Peterson Lifetime achievement award and an honourary doctorate from the University of Guelph.
His last performance was this past May when he gathered other decorated jazz players including Guido Basso on trumpet, Jane Bunnett on sax and Terry Clarke on drums, for a night of jazz in Appleyard’s barn.
Appleyard’s son has reportedly confirmed a memorial will take place in August.
Below, a younger Peter Appleyard with the late Peter Gzowski in 1977, as he shows off a number of instruments
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