Jon Petersen
Jon Petersen is the Branson-based founder and patriarch of The Petersens family bluegrass band — a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and Johns Hopkins-trained physician who built the family's daily Branson show and Wednesday gospel performances around his five children.
- Founder and patriarch of The Petersens family bluegrass band (founded 2005).
- Grew up in Charleston, West Virginia; began piano lessons at age 7.
- Joined U.S. Air Force in 1983; served 23+ years on active duty.
- Retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 2007 and moved family to Branson, Missouri.
- Attended medical school mid-career; completed residencies in Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine (Johns Hopkins), Master's in Public Health, board-certified in Occupational Medicine.
- Trained as USAF flight surgeon for Special Forces; licensed pilot and flight instructor.
- Married Karen in 1985; children include Katie, Ellen, Matt, and Julianne (all band members), with Karen on upright bass.
- Plays piano with the band; also plays saxophone, guitar, and bass; performs piano at Wednesday gospel shows in Branson.