Peter Pope started playing piano at age three when older brother, Randy, (Peter's greatest musical inspiration) sat him down and taught him "Green Sleeves" and 'Cast Your Fate To The Wind". (Note: Randy Pope played with Bill Deal and the Rhondels in 1975 before forming "Hot Cakes" with Rhondels' George Bell and Mark Maynard.)

By age five, Peter was playing and singing entire songs by ear by his favorite new group "The Beatles", catching the attention of the Virginian Pilot newspaper. A year later, he began composing his own songs. At seven, Peter was featured in two television commercials promoting Kimble Pianos, where he played chopsticks on a 'Brand-X' piano, deliberately flubbed the 3rd note, shrugged at the camera and was promptly seated on a 'Kimble' Piano where he proceeded playing The Beatles' 'I Feel Fine'. Throughout his childhood, Peter continued to write music, picking up additional instruments including drums, guitar and bass guitar. At 13, he was recording original songs, playing and over-dubbing all instruments and singing all the parts.

After graduating from Belmont Abbey College in 1981, Peter worked as a studio musician, writing music for broadcast television/film productions and composing jingles. He was also a founding member of local favorites "The Squares". "Awesome musicianship, great friends and lots-o-laughs!" The Squares were together 11 years. He was also a member of "The Barrys" Pop-Rock group as a Bassist, Drummer and Vocalist. They released a CD in 2002 entitled "Who Else".

In December of 2003, Bill Deal passed away quite unexpectedly. Few people were up to the task of taking Bill's place, and Peter was the band's unanimous choice. Peter's various talents are featured on the Original Rhondels new CD, ‘Bout Time, where you can hear him on vocals, keyboards, and guitar. Since 1995, Peter has been a director/producer at Studio Center World Wide Audio (formerly D'Arcy Studios, where Bill Deal and the Rhondels recorded their hits "May I", I've Been Hurt" and "What Kinda Fool Do You Think I Am?"). There, he continues to write jingles, direct voice actors, produce commercials and work as a voice-over talent. He has won National awards for original custom music, jingles and radio commercials.

Peter is married and a very proud dad of 3 wonderful girls. He and his family love surfing together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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