Robert Peterson Biography

A resident of Half Moon Bay, Robert Peterson balances his aviation operations work at San Francisco Airport with playing guitar and writing songs. He has played at most of the local coffee houses and was a featured regular on "Songwriters Soundstage," a local TV program aired on Pacifica Community Television.

A self-described musical illiterate, Robert enjoys playing with local musicians. "The coast side has a lot of talent. Playing with so many wonderful folks is a constant stream of excellent company and free music lessons," he admits. "I enjoy bringing 'the living room' into music. I really enjoy small acoustic venues, which allow me to interact with the audience."

Robert's strengths are evident in satirical and humorous lyrics, which are frequently inspired by personal experience. "Mind Over Matter" (written for his fortieth birthday), "Rotating Shift Work Blues" (written for the airport), and "One Day I Pulled My Zipper Up Too Fast" (self-explanatory), are examples of his self-effacing satirical and comic genius.

Robert first became involved with Emma's Love Letters when D.B. Pacini (his music partner) asked him to proofread a short story. She speaks of the "five" friends who encouraged her to expand the story into a novel. Robert was one of the five. Pacini says, "This novel has been greatly enriched by Robert's creative ideas. He downplays his contributions and does not seek acknowledgment for all he has done. He co-wrote 'Darlin' Love' and 'Our River' with me, specifically for the Emma and Skyler characters. His songs, 'Raspberry Love' and 'Older Woman' are terrific. He wrote 'Zero-Dark-Thirty' for Skyler, it is a fantastic song."

Regarding Guitars Not Guns (GNG) Robert urges people to learn more about GNG and to involve themselves with helping at risk kids. He says, "We've helped the public learn about GNG with this novel, now we hope people will respond by picking up the phone and calling GNG."

Staying in the predictable character of his humorous nature, Robert, a private and rather quiet guy, admits that he has recently signed a contract with Columbia Records. "It is a good contract. They send me one CD a month, and if I don't like it, I get to send it back."

To contact Robert Peterson: petersonrap@juno.com