St. Paul

Who is St. Paul?

Paul Peterson, also known as St. Paul Peterson, is a musician best known for his memberships in the bands The Family and The Time and the single "Intimacy". Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Peterson was the youngest son in a musical family. He was discovered by Prince in 1983 and groomed to replace Monte Moir as keyboardist of R&B band The Time. Peterson gained exposure when the band appeared in the hit movie Purple Rain.

When The Time broke up in 1984, Prince gathered the remnants to form The Family, with Peterson as lead singer. The group's tenure was brief, performing live only once. Peterson left to pursue a solo career, releasing his eponymous debut album in 1986. Peterson released a single & video, "Rich Man", from the album. Prince wrote a song about Peterson's early jump from The Family ship called "Dream Factory", which was later released on 1998's Crystal Ball compilation. Peterson released two solo albums in the 1990s on Atlantic Records and a live recording with the group the Minneapolis All-Stars.

Peterson also toured as a member of the Steve Miller Band in the late 1980s.

Peterson is also a session musician and has backed up many acts in concert. He tours with Kenny Loggins, and has some appearances as a band member with Oleta Adams. From 1998–2000 he was bandleader and bassist for the house band on the Donny & Marie TV program. His latest solo album, Everything, was released in 2004. Peterson is married and has two children, and resides in the Minneapolis area.