A globetrotting bandleader, musician and instructor from Heyworth has returned to his roots for a concert and open house.
Albert Theodore Pizzamiglio, known as Al Pierson, 91, has toured and worked all over the world throughout his 77-year career.
“I have been fortunate to have worked in 75 countries,” Pierson said during an open house at United Church of Heyworth. “I have worked a lot in Israel. And I have also had the privilege of writing the new national anthem for Austria. It’s been quite unique. I have several thousand recordings.”
Pierson said he has also performed in all 50 states.
Besides leading Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians, Pierson has been a part of many other communities.
Pierson has been a band director, marching band leader, conductor, entrepreneur, instructor, professor, minister of music, and a friend to many.
While receiving his music education degree from Illinois State University, Pierson started his own orchestra.
“I was a sophomore at the university and I came home and [my neighbor who is a clarinet player] said, ‘My piano player can’t make it,’” Pierson recalled. “We played from nine o’clock until three o’clock in the morning. When I got home, I was so tired my arms were gonna fall off. This was back in 1952, so there wasn’t a lot of money. My pay, my dad was so mad. He said, ‘What did he pay you?’ Five dollars.”
Before making it big as a big band musician, Pierson taught in the Heyworth and Olympia school districts and performed at several Bloomington-Normal churches.
During the open house, Pierson focused on rekindling old friendships and cherishing memories.
“Life is just good,” Pierson said. “Life is very good. I have seven children and they turned out to be wonderful kids. They’re all over the country and I have 26 grandchildren, and I have only four great grandchildren.”
Pierson resides in Aubrey, Texas, where he raises Angus cattle. He is still composing music and occasionally plays shows. While back in Illinois, Pierson performed at a concert at DePue Lake, near LaSalle-Peru.
