By Tom Padula
John St Peters (born 1956) is an Australian musician, singer and television presenter, born in Melbourne to Italian parents, Pasqualino Lo Piccolo and Giovanna (née Basile). Raised in Richmond with his younger sister Josephine, he began his career as a child prodigy on the piano accordion at age 11, impressing audiences with his remarkable talent and precocious stage presence.
Born John Lo Piccolo, he grew up in the suburb of Richmond with his parents—his father was a greengrocer and a talented musician himself. Johnny Lo Piccolo started performing on television talent quests such as Brian and the Juniors and New Faces at age 11, initially billed as “Johnny Lo Piccolo,” quickly gaining recognition for his charm and virtuosity, which set him apart from his peers.
He was a popular entertainer in Melbourne, appearing on shows such as In Melbourne Tonight and releasing early singles in the early 1970s, including “Johnny Lo Piccolo’s Dance Party.” He is an Italian-Australian musician who later transitioned from the accordion to become a pop singer and recording artist. The name “St Peters” is a stage name adopted later in his career, diverging from his birth name, Lo Piccolo.
John St Peters has been a distinctive and influential figure in Australia’s music and entertainment landscape for more than five decades. His career began in the formative years of Australian television, when Melbourne’s TV studios were becoming a gateway between local audiences and global popular culture.
Thanks to his father, Pasqualino Lo Piccolo’s influence and contacts, the young performer and presenter made early appearances on Melbourne television screens in the 1960s and early 1970s—a period when live music, variety shows and personality-driven programming dominated the airwaves. These early experiences placed him at the centre of a vibrant creative community and shaped his lifelong commitment to music as both performance and cultural exchange. The Italian community of Melbourne took pride in this young artist with an Italian name.
A defining aspect of John St Peters’ career was his close friendship with some of Australia’s most recognisable media and music figures, notably Bert Newton and Molly Meldrum. Bert Newton, already a towering presence in Australian television, became both a mentor and a friend. Their shared love of performance, humour and showmanship reflected an era when entertainers moved easily between television, live performance and public events.
With Molly Meldrum, St Peters shared an even deeper connection to the music industry itself. Meldrum’s encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music and his passion for promoting artists aligned naturally with St Peters’ own interests.
Their friendship placed him within the inner circle of Australia’s evolving pop and rock scene, giving him direct insight into emerging trends and international acts. While St Peters was visible as a performer and media personality, his most enduring contribution has been as a music organiser and cultural promoter. From the 1970s onward, he increasingly focused on organising major musical events, tours and cultural showcases that brought international artists to Australian audiences and took Australian talent to the world, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s music scene.
His work went beyond commercial promotion; it reflected a belief that music is a bridge between cultures and generations. Over time, he became known for his ability to connect artists, audiences and communities, often working across national and cultural boundaries. This global outlook has culminated in a series of world musical events that celebrate heritage, memory and identity.
In recent years, St Peters has turned particular attention to music as a carrier of cultural history. His current major project focuses on Italian musical heritage, highlighting the profound influence of Italian music on global popular culture and on Australia’s multicultural identity. The event brings together classical traditions, popular song, operatic influences and contemporary interpretations, honouring both Italy’s musical legacy and the contributions of the Italian diaspora in Australia. From Johnny Lo Piccolo to John St Peters, his career is best understood as a continuum rather than a single chapter from early television appearances to friendships with iconic figures such as Bert Newton and Molly Meldrum, and to his role as an international music organiser.
Through all these phases, John’s guiding principle has remained constant: using music to connect people, preserve heritage and celebrate the shared human experience. His Italian heritage, life in Richmond and well-known presence in Melbourne’s entertainment world have cemented John St Peters as a legend of his time, a cherished mentor for younger artists, and an enduring icon in the music.
