RICKY PETERSON INTERVIEW: KEYBOARDS FOR FLEETWOOD MAC, PRINCE & MANY MORE
A life long Minnesotan whose sound has always focused on a characteristically “Minneapolis” sound, Ricky Peterson is best known for his now 20 year association with saxophone legend David Sanborn and for having, produced, written and played keyboards for Prince on and off since his early days on the Twin Cities scene (perhaps most notably producing and arranging the song “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”).
Playing on David Sanborn records since the mid 80’s, he ensembled with and produced Sanborn on “Songs from the Night Before” and Prince on “Gold”, “Emancipation”, “Crystal Ball”. Peterson also played a big part in writing and producing George Benson’s “That’s Right” CD.
This is just the icing on a career whose associations (either live or in the studio) read like a diverse pop and jazz trivia encyclopedia: Bonnie Raitt, , Billy Joel, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Joe Sample, Sting, Sergio Mendes, Brian Wilson, Ben Sidran, Rodger Waters, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Phil Upchurch, Jimmy Buffet, Fine Young Cannibals, Steve Miller Band, GoGos, Paula Abdul, Boz Scaggs, Dave Koz, Lalah Hathaway, Sheryl Crow, Jonathon Butler, Bruce Willis, The Jets, Jermaine Jackson, Rhythm Syndicate, Chaka Khan, Robben Ford, Howard Hewett, Larry Graham, Tuck & Patti and John Mayer.
Ricky Peterson who has played keys for Stevie Nicks since 2007, was back in Australia with the new version of Fleetwood Mac, featuring Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers) and Neil Finn (Crowded House). Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with Ricky to discuss the Fleetwood Mac tour, his gear, his time with music greats such as Prince, David Sanborn and George Benson, as well as his current projects, WDR Big Band and The Peterson Brothers.
- Josie Morrison
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