Like father like son: Peter Pearson continues his dad’s music and storytelling legacy at Children’s Minnesota

Peter Pearson, marketing lead for community events and sponsorships at Children’s Minnesota, may have only officially joined the kid experts one year ago, but the Pearson family legacy began four decades prior. 

After Peter learned that he would be joining the marketing and communications team at Children’s Minnesota, Peter’s mom dug up a copy of the Children’s Minnesota 1983 annual report and showed him a very familiar face: his father, Jack Pearson.

Beginning a legacy

Peter’s dad, Jack, was a full-time musician, storyteller and author who used his talents to perform for children over many decades. His audience included children receiving care at the Children’s Minnesota Minneapolis hospital, which was then called Minneapolis Children’s Medical Center, where he was an artist in residence. 

Jack was so passionate about storytelling and music that he passed this love on to his son, Peter.

Peter has since become a children’s book author; written and played his own songs; and became a kid expert at Children’s Minnesota. In fact, Peter even uses his father’s banjo when he performs – including during performances with Children’s Minnesota music therapists!

Passing the torch 

Building on the legacy his dad started, Peter partnered with Star Studio, Children’s Minnesota’s in-house TV studio, on the launch of a new initiative called: Tales from the Book Cart.

Tales from the Book Cart brings local children’s book authors’ stories to life with animated videos. In fact, Peter had the honor of being the first local author to showcase a story. In the video below, you can watch Peter perform a few original songs and read his book, “How to Walk a Dump Truck.”

Peter credits his dad for inspiring him to be an artist, and we hope that Peter inspires his children to someday share stories and music with future Children’s Minnesota patients!

Peter’s performance on Star Studio