The success of the hit single, "Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie" catapulted Michael Peterson into the national spotlight in 1997 and the follow up release, "From Here To Eternity," earned the singer his first #1 hit.  The self-titled debut disc was certified gold and Peterson was recognized as country music's top selling new male artist of 1997 and 1998. 

Born in Tucson Arizona in 1959, Michael took the "roundabout" route to Nashville. While growing up in Richland, Washington, he developed a deep appreciation and love of music while spending time with his grandmother and her extensive record collection. She nurtured his interest as he began writing songs, playing his guitar and singing.  

Michael enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University on a football scholarship. Although he joined the University chorale his first semester, he had to place his musical aspirations on hold.  He worked on his psychology degree and played left offensive tackle on a championship winning team.

After graduation, he spent the next twelve years as an inspirational speaker, working with school children across the country.

In the mid 80's he ran into his old football coach, Brad Westering, who had become a major player in the music business, working with songtress, Deniece Williams. . Through Westering, Peterson got the opportunity to write songs for Williams, as well as gospel headliners The Imperials.  This all led to the production of Peterson’s first release, “Michael Peterson,” a collection of contemporary Christian songs, on Sparrow Records in 1986. 

It would be over a decade before the release of his next album, also called “Michael Peterson,” but this self-titled country smash was a golden delight on Reprise Records.  The album produced four hit singles, “Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie," "From Here to Eternity," “Too Good To Be True” and “When the Bartender Cries.” Michael Peterson was named Top New Artist of 1997 by both Billboard and Radio & Records and honored as Country Weekly's Male Newcomer and Gavin's Artist to Watch in 1998.