Attended Mississippi State University (MSU) on a football scholarship; played halfback for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Because of his role as a pop singer in "The Cool Ones" (1967), Gil Peterson tested for and almost won the part of singer Tony Pilar in 20th Century Fox's extravagant production of "Valley of the Dolls" (1967). When the part went to Tony Scotti, the Producer (Mark Robson) gave Peterson a bit part as one of Neely O'Hara's leading men as a consolation prize.
In 1962, he recorded an album of jazz standards for Ace Records entitled "Gil Peterson Sings Our Last Goodbye" (Ace LP 1024). Peterson penned the title song, and the LP included musical accompaniment by Bobby Troup and Herb Ellis. Ace was one of the first successful labels out of New Orleans, even though it was headquartered in Jackson Mississippi, 196 miles away. The actual recordings for most of the Ace releases were done at Cosimo Matassa's studio in New Orleans. Peterson's album was the only Ace LP to be issued in stereo, with a bar across the cover stating "Stereophonic".
Is a flying enthusiast and owns a Piper Cub plane.
Is an active member of The Four Freshmen Society. The Four Freshmen continue to perform some 61 years after the quartet was founded by its original members. The names and faces have changed over the years, but the ensemble remains dedicated to the unique Four Freshmen sound, including the distinctive harmonies which inspired Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys among others. The Four Freshmen Society holds an annual convention where members can mingle with the group, past and present line-up, and attend activities like sing-alongs with Ross Barbour (original founder). Gil Peterson has often hosted The Four Freshman when they play various venues in the state of Oregon.