Peter Levinson, 1934-2008

It is with shock and sadness that I acknowledge the news of Peter Levinson's passing. Having recently corresponded with Peter (writing Peter on October 13th and receiving his reply on October 16th) this news is especially stunning.

I so admired his vast knowledge and enthusiasm for jazz and the American Popular Songbook. Peter remains a gifted writer. His volumes on Harry James, Nelson Riddle, and Tommy Dorsey are vital documents of this period in music. I eagerly await his upcoming volume on Fred Astaire.

In 2002, Peter was the centerpiece of a two-part interview on the subject of Frank Sinatra's contribution to the arts. That appearance was documented on the series that I produced and hosted for national public broadcasting, "The Sinatra Songbook." Peter's "fly-on-the-wall" accounts of seminal moments in the singer's career enriched the interview as only the recollections of a first-hand witness could. As these witnesses to artistic history diminish in number, Peter's first-hand reflections remain that much more significant.

I will always celebrate Peter's ever-supportive
nature and his encyclopedic knowledge of the American Popular Songbook.

Mark Sudock
Senior Editor, Features
Fox11 News,

Host and Producer,
The Sinatra Songbook,

Levinson Friend and Admirer