Our Songbird Forever!
It all began on September 11, 1961, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Eva (Richardson) and Paul Peterson had their first child together. A girl they named Arlene. “Suebee,” as she was affectionately called by her dad, was the joy of their life. The family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and resided on White Avenue off E. 55th Street. A few years later, the family moved to the Mount Pleasant neighborhood where Dyuanna (Peterson) Calhoun and later Paul Peterson Jr., made their home.
Arlene was a member of New Birth Fellowship Church, Cleveland, Ohio, under the leadership of Pastor A. F. Caver. She accepted Christ into her life at an early age and was baptized by Rev. V.J. Weathersby of the New Light Baptist Church. She loved listening to their Sunday afternoon services, especially their choir on WJMO-AM. During those early years, she nurtured her desire to sing and perform and would put on concerts in her basement, while her sister Dyuanna sang backup.
When Arlene was 16½ years old, someone, we’re not sure who, forwarded tapes of her singing to Berry Gordy of Motown records because her gift was so pure and raw. Berry Gordy came to Hopkins International Airport and called her parents so they could work out a record deal. That’s just how talented she was; even at a young age. Always a student of music, Arlene’s melodious voice could be heard in every school choir that she attended from Corlett Elementary School to Alexander Hamilton Jr. High to South High School. During her junior year, she transferred to John Adams High School. As a proud “Rebel,” Arlene was very active in the school’s choral club and talent shows.
In 1977, Arlene was asked to join a band called The Climax Revue Band. During the first few years, the band had several different members. Throughout high school, the band performed all around the Cleveland area, as well as several out-of-town events.
In 1979, she was awarded: Ms. J.A. Pageant Queen, Miss Congeniality, Best Creative Costume, and Best Creative Talent. One of her many high-school highlights was her starring role as Dorothy in the play “Wizzin” which was their version of The Wiz. That started her signature song, “HOME”, which eventually became one of the most requested songs at her shows.
Arlene was one of the founding members of The Twilights of Joy, a local gospel group. This group of teenagers were very popular throughout the city of Cleveland, where they sang at different church functions, nursing homes, schools, and various events throughout the city.
In 1998, Arlene married the love of her life, Brian Bowie. She looked like a Princess from a fairy tale. Together, for many years to come, they would make great music together. “Ike & Tina” as many jokingly called them were a perfect match for what they both loved to do.
In 2002, Brian & Arlene decided to get the band back together renaming the band “The Light of Day”. With all original members, they graced all the wineries of NEO known as “Wine Country”. Fans would drive from New York, Pennsylvania and all throughout Ohio and beyond to hear her rock the house at the top wineries in the Geneva, Harpersfield Township, Madison, and Ashtabula venues. In addition to the winery shows, they performed at weddings, corporate events, clubs and social venues for the arts organizations in the Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Arlene was proud that for over 35 years, their band had kept the same members. This fact made them one of the few local bands to achieve this. Band members included Brian & Arlene Peterson-Bowie, Butch Bowie, Christopher Stennis, and Joe Moon. Sam Bell recently joined the band to complete a great line up.
Sadly, in October of 2014, Arlene was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery and recovery, she returned to work and to the stage. Arlene publicly announced her illness and encouraged all age-appropriate women to get their yearly mammograms.
Throughout the entire battle with cancer Arlene continued to SMILE. She continued to hold on to her faith in God, her husband, family and friends. She never stopped using her multiple gifts to uplift others. Arlene continued to perform with the Light of Day Band until September 2018.
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You will always be loved & missed, Arlene “Suebee” Peterson – Our Songbird Forever!
GUESTBOOK
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