Stan Pearson has performed across the world, can play every instrument and has taught many people over a period of nearly 75 years.
It all started from a random desire to become a musician.
“When I was 14, I was in high school and all of a sudden I had an interest in music,” Pearson said. “My father told me he had an old violin, and if I could fix it, I could have it.”
Pearson fixed the violin, but had to deal with another obstacle.
“There was no one here who could teach me how to play violin, so I found an advertisement in a magazine about lessons,” Pearson said. “They sent me a book, and I learned how to play from there.”
Pearson said he was influenced by Kinston High School band director Robert Rhodes to join the school band, but would have to learn a new instrument.
He got me to join the band, but I didn’t have an instrument,” Pearson said. “He wanted me to play clarinet, and my father got me one.”
Upon graduating Kinston High School in 1944, Pearson went to the Navy and performed in the band during World War II. After leaving the Navy in 1946, Pearson went to UNC, studying commerce and music, eventually opening his own business, The Music Shop.
Pearson had stores in six towns — Kinston, Washington, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Jacksonville and Wilmington — but a declining economy affected business.
“The store did well until the recession about 25 years ago,” Pearson said. “I ended up going out of business and sold them all. In fact, a couple of my managers bought stores.”
Despite the music shop closing, Pearson was having success with his bands. After performing with other bands throughout the years, Pearson started his own — Stan Pearson and The Plaids.
“We had other names as years went by like The Little Big Band and the Razzamatazz Jazz and Blues Band,” Pearson said.
Pearson also said he can play just about any instrument because of his times in bands, and repairing so many over the years.
“I’m most proficient on the saxophone and clarinet, but I’ve also taught flute, piccolo, piano, banjo and guitar,” he said. “My favorite instrument is the tenor sax.”
Pearson also had side endeavors along with music.
During the 1980s, Pearson went into the video game business just as Pacman was taking the nation by storm.
“I designed security bars for the arcades,” he said. “I found a machinist that did welding and sold the product to others. Business grew quite a bit, so I had to buy a warehouse in Beaufort. We sold to Midway and Atari, as well as shipped overseas.”
Pearson wound up selling the warehouse and went into the steel fabrication business, retiring in 2006.
Although Pearson retired, he still fixes instruments and gives lessons to those looking to follow in his footsteps.
Pearson said the art has been good to him for a very long time.
“Music is one of the great joys in life,” he said. “It’s great therapy for sick and good when you’re well. It gets your mind off problems and keeps it alert.
“I’m thankful to say that at 87, I can get around and play my instrumentals. This is something that stays with you for life.”
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.
Breakout Box
Name: Stan Pearson
Occupation: Retired
Military History: Navy, 1944-1946
Accomplishments: Owner of The Music Shop, Inc., played in bands for more than 60 years