Pete Sutherland

Peter Jeffrey Sutherland (May 13, 1951 – November 30, 2022) was an American folk musician. He was considered a leader of the Americana and traditional music scene in Vermont. He performed with the Clayfoot Strutters and was the bandleader of Pete's Posse. In addition to performing, he was actively involved with teaching music throughout his career. He worked with organizations like Young Tradition Vermont.

Early life and education Sutherland was born on May 13, 1951, in Burlington, Vermont. His mother, Mary Lou, was a classical pianist and homemaker. He also took piano lessons.

Sutherland mentored many young musicians, including Oliver Scanlon, who joined his contra dance band as a fourth grader and later joined Pete's Posse. They had a son, Calem, , and divorced .

Sutherland lived in a converted former general store in Monkton, Vermont. He maintained a large garden and foraged for food. He took an interest in his son's hobbies, including at various points baseball, American history and filmmaking.

Later life, death, and legacy

A few years before his death, Sutherland sold his Monkton house and began living with friends in Chittenden County and central Vermont. He dealt with prostate cancer for more than a decade. He moved into a hospice in Montpelier , but remained mentally acute, and received visits from many musicians who played at his bedside. He ended his life on November 30, 2022, using Vermont's medical aid in dying law.

Sutherland received many tributes after his death praising his contributions, mentoring, and humbleness. The Barre Montpelier Times Argus described him as "arguably the dean of Vermont traditional music" in its obituary.