The Mark II – Ray Peterson & Wayne Cogswell
2014 INDUCTEES
Pop/Rock ‘n’ Roll
Performers, Composers, Producers
The Story of Rhode Island’s Four-Handed Piano Hit-Makers
THE MARK II
Ray Peterson (1933-2019) & Wayne Cogswell (1928-2020)
Ray Peterson & Wayne Cogswell at the keyboard
The songwriting and production team of pianist Ray Peterson and guitarist/pianist Wayne Cogswell reached the heights of the music business as performers when one of their own compositions – “Night Theme” – became a major hit on all the national charts in 1960.
Using the unusual technique of playing four-handed piano (Cogswell at the bottom on bass and chords and Peterson at the top playing unison or harmonized melody), The Mark II came up with a truly original concept and a totally unique sound at a time the world was waiting for something new.
The remarkable story of The Mark II as well as an in-depth look at their accomplishments as composers, producers and label owners beyond the scope of their performing persona can be found by visiting the following pages on the Rhode Island Music Hall Of Fame Historical Archive:
THE WYE RECORDS STORY
www.ripopmusic.org/musical-artists/producers/wye-records/
WAYNE COGSWELL: RHODE ISLAND’S ROCKABILLY REBEL
www.ripopmusic.org/musical-artists/musicians/wayne-cogswellwayne-powerswinston-cogswell/
Ray Peterson passed away on May 9, 2019 and Wayne Cogswell passed away on November 29, 2020.