What would possess a man to give hundreds and thousands of dollars to aspiring musicians, covering lessons, travel and even clothing to keep them in their art? What would drive a man to pay for concerts for his friends, or to spend years of his life working in behalf of a university’s music department?
“Listen to this,” he said urgently. “Listen to this part. This is so beautiful.”
That was the answer. Peterson, who is 76, is passionate about music, but that’s an understatement, so let’s try again. Some men in their retirement years spend their money on golf or country clubs or travel. Peterson spends his money on music and musicians — lots of it.