6.07.2011

He Had Good Musical Genes

Many of you have asked about Peter Steele's relationship with his father, Pete Sr. 

Many rock musicians can tell you that their fathers didn't always approve of the career path they had chosen (especially for hard-working immigrants who wanted their sons to have a trade), sometimes fathers and sons don't see eye to eye about everything. Even though Pete's dad didn't always understand the music -- he understood the musical gene that ran in the family -- especially since Pete got his voice from his father.

Peter Ratajczyk Sr. with a very young Peter Steele



Written by Peter's sister Pat:


Music Generations
Momma tolerated the words and volume of Pete's creations in order to be proud of her son’s accomplishments.  Dad, well that was a different story … this music was not like Bing Crosby and Big Band music he was used to.  Pete got his baritone voice from Dad who sang the “... many brave hearts are asleep in the deep ...” sailor song as a lullaby to baby Pete.  An amazing singer in his own right, there were also the ba-ba-ba-boom Bing Crosby croons, and the “When I’m calling You -ou-ou-ou” of opera singer Nelson Eddy & Jeanette McDonald.  

Nettie & Pete always threw the family parties, always had a piano (and/or piano rolls) in the house, were always singing & dancing through the house, and they loved to perform their versions of the songs from “ShowBoat” .. Dad doing his baritone “Old Man River” rendition, while Mom would twist a hanky while she cried out “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man”.  Or they were Fanny Brice and Allan Jones.  Or doing a Fred & Ginger two-step (Mom definely had the advantage). They were 39 and 40 yrs old when Pete was born.  All Pete’s friends’ parents were of the Korean or Vietnam Wars days; Dad was from WWII.  Life in the 30’s and 40’s was soooo different than the 60’s & 70”s. 

A true romantic, Dad - although sincerely proud of his son’s musical & vocal talents- had a hard time relating to heavy metal.  And even though he shook his head at the raunchy words, we would catch Dad numerous times standing by the (rehearsal) basement door, head poking into the doorway,  tapping his foot, listening attentively to the chords and changes, and sporting a vicarious grin.  


Peter Ratajczyk working at Todd Shipyards in Downtown Brooklyn


42 comments:

  1. Two handsome men! What a nice photo!
    I.

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  2. Thank you Pat for this truly heart-warming story and the insight to the relation between Pete and his dad. Relations between sons and fathers - as you said - not always easy but it's so lovely how you describe the scene of Peter Sr. listening at rehearsals ;-)Pete's got a lot from his dad - not only the voice - when I look at this absolutley lovely picture - so sweet - both with their best suits. Such a wonderful family.
    Thank you for sharing & much love
    -Sabine,Austria-

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  3. i bet it was a sight to see that big guy dancing around the house,him and nettie singing...sounds like an experience alot of us out here didnt get growing up.im happy that peter had their support!them being so supportive gave us the gift of peters voice and set the world ablaze with his writing and musical talent!thank you peter senior and nettie for being such a loving couple,may you dance forever now,in peace and in love....
    -ERIK HERNANDEZ-

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  4. Todd's Ship God's (Above All Things) is one of my favorite songs from LIKM. Thanks for this story.. much love & respect ~Carrie

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  5. This is an awesome story and one i can relate to.
    When i was younger all the family would get together as well, we would all gather round while my cousins Ernie & Todd would get the guitars tuned and everyone would find a spot to pop a squat anywhere they could. I on the other hand made sure i got the best seat..lol.. Right next to Ernie & Todd so that i could watch them strum the strings on the guitars and sing along with them. We all would sing different songs like... Amazing Grace and different songs by...John Denver,Marty Robbins,Elvis Presley and the list goes on and on. Those were some of the best times i have had and i really loved it,miss it as well. But sadly those days are gone. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Peter looks so much like Pete Sr. He is a very handsome man and he looks like a lovely and gentle man and tall too. I love the pictures! I like the picture of Pete Sr. in the shipyard. Again thank you for sharing :)

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  6. How tall was Pete Sr.?

    Luckily for me, my dad MADE me listen to metal!

    Chase Fahnert

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    1. Supposedly his father was as tall, or taller than he was, so around 6'7-6'8"

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  7. thank you so much for the story and the picture is just amazing! you can tell where Peter got his height and bearing from and he looked so adorable in his little tailcoat. Adorable. I loved your detailed account of the Mr. & Mrs Ratajczic musical preferences and how indulged in their own performing talents. What an inspiring, warm and supportive environment to grow up in! Peter was romantic too, just like Peter Senior, only in a different way. I loved this story and as it made me think of my own dad and our differences of opinion and how I love the man.

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  8. Thank you so much for this lovely story.

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  9. Yes thank you all for sharing these beautiful stories with us. What a sweet picture of Peter as a small boy in that suit, how adorable. That smile, he never lost that sweet smile. Spitting image of his dad Peter. So much love, so many memories. Peter was loved and he loved. We miss him every day.

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  10. How gorgeous was Peter Senior! Everytime I look to some picture of him, my heart get warmed: he looks just like my daddy.The magnanimous smile and pure calm reflecting in his eyes. It's awesome. Thanks for sharing so intimidate stories.

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  11. Wow! Peter Sr. was a very tall man. Beautiful story and nice pic. And Peter Jr. was such a cute and lovely little boy dressed with his tailcoat. Petrus, niño lindo ;D

    Thank you again for share your familiar memories and all these close memories with us. I always read it with love and respect.

    Hugs from the Spain.

    Patricia

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  12. Thank you, Pat, for sharing such a great story.

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  13. This post helped to answer a question I asked myself the other night while I listened to the entirety of "October Rust" and was once again amazed at Pete's vocal range. It seemed every other song was sung in a different tone. And reading now that he inherited his father's voice is so neat. It would be awesome to know the history of his musical career, like if he took voice lessons and where he learned to use his voice like that!! Such a unique voice. Loved seeing the pics of little Peter and his dad, very precious. Thanks for sharing with us :)

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    1. Fyi - Kenny sings a lot of the lead vocal parts that are in the higher range and screaming. For an example listen to Halloween In Heaven's chorus. Peter sings the words "Halloween In Heaven" and Kenny sings the words "It's Christmas in Hell Hell Hell". Once it was pointed out to me I can tell them apart more easily.

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  14. So THAT'S the author of the testosterone scriptures. Brilliant!
    Peter looked so much like his father.

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  15. I absoultely love the story N pictures (so adorable, lil Peter's suit, Grandpa looked mighty fine too) and man did Peter look like his Daddy. I'm sure they all are dancing N singing in Heaven. Thank you so much for sharing your memories. Much Love N Respect <3

    Amy Wigle, Newark, Ohio

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  16. PETE WOULD HAVE LOOKED JUST LIKE DAD WHEN HE GOT OLDER WOULDNT HE? I CAN SEE SO MUCH OF A RESEMBLANCE IN SRs PICTURE HERE. I SOOOOO ADORE THE LIL PETE AND SR PETE PIC. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR SUCH A HEART WARMING STORY.

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  17. Thank You 4-8!

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  18. I know Junia Vieira meant "intimate" stories, but Pete would have gotten a laugh out of "intimidate", I think.

    Little Pete in a suit! Does the cuteness ever stop? I think it does not!

    Pete Sr. is quite the dapper gentleman, as well - love the shot of him in the hardhat. I love a tough guy.

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  19. Mark Paulicelli6:30 PM, June 07, 2011

    love that story.........Peter was is dad in so many ways ........And His Dad was very proud of him.......Two great Men And I Had the HONOR of knowing them both ...............

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  20. Great picture!! Thanks so much for this blog, it's a huge part of Peter's life that many of us wouldn't have known...the part that makes him a regular person just like you & me. Speaking of children...my son is 2 years old and he LOVES TON. Everytime I get on YouTube to watch videos/ concerts he runs and gets in my lap to listen & watch. He sings Black No 1 & Too Late Frozen, among a few others. And if I start singing he puts his hand in front of my mouth (he's hushing me...) At first I was irritated but then realized he likes it that much. THANK YOU!!!!

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  21. Looking back now we didn't have much but each other and we improvised when needed- for a joke, smile or dance. Loud music and always LAUGHTER was the Ratajczyk way. Something few families have because they get caught up in wanting what the Jones' have. We have each other and that all we needed. God Bless my grandparents who set the bar and facilitated such creativity out of hard times.

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  22. I absolutely love the picture of little Peter and his father all dressed up! I really enjoyed this story, as I do all the other ones you have been so kind to share. I was not fortunate enough to have met Peter in person, but this blog makes me feel like I know him. As a longtime fan, I take comfort in that. Thanks and keep the stories coming:)

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  23. What a beautiful picture of father and son. Peter is adorable, he looks likes a cute Eddie Munster with the v shaped hair line and the suit..very very cute. A home full of music is always a happier one, music really brings people together. What wonderful supportive parents, even if Peter Sr didnt like the music its great that he supported his son. October Rust came out in 96 and Peter Sr died in 95, I wonder if Peter Sr got to hear any of the songs that were destined to be on October Rust. I'm sure he would have been proud. I wish he could have heard Nettie from LIKM. I really love this photo.

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  24. What a beautiful picture and story! I love all of these stories about the family. Thank you so much for sharing this with the fans.

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  25. Little Pete looks so cute! Curious...who ended up being taller; father or son?

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  26. Having grown up with a family who also threw sing-along piano-roll parties I completely understand how happy those times must've been for your family. The Ratajczyks seem to have true continuity and strong bloodlines. Hope the tradition and romance have somehow continued. The photos are priceless! Thank you so much for sharing and for the reminder of many happy childhood memories.

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  27. The best gift you can give your childern is to support them in their dreams and also the gift of music! Bravo to Nettie and Peter Sr. for giving both! Thank You!!!!

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  28. WOW! This was one of the best posts yet!!! I have similar memories of my Dad staying up late and listening to Sinatra and Elvis records, singing along loudly and annoying his own mother as I giggled. The photo of Pete and Pete Sr. at the top is priceless - when I clicked and enlarged it, I realized just how much he looked like his father. And thanks for the info. you shared through the caption on the second photo - Todd's Ship Gods is one of my absolute favorite TON songs (I especially love the drumming in that one, too.) Keep 'em coming; they keep getting better!

    Patrice D'Angelo

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  29. Until august 2010 I only knew TON's bloody kisses and october rust and used to listen to them in difficult times when you have to accept things in life you can not change. Peter's voice would calm me and his lyrics where the only songs who would help. Until then I knew the albums but not the members/faces from TON. In august I bought the other albums off TON, and wanted to know te face with accompagnies the voice I love so much. was very sad to read that Peter had died. His mother must have been a very happy women to have two people in her life with such I voice.

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  30. Until august 2010 I only knew the albums bloody kisses and october rust and used to listen to them in difficult times when you have to accept things in life you can not change. Peter's deep voice would calm me and his lyrics help. Until then I didn't knew the members/faces off TON. In august I bought the other albums of TON and for the first time I wanted to know the face wich accompagnies the voice I love so much. Was very sad to read Peter died. His mother must have been a very happy woman to have two people with such a beautifull voice. I also liked to learn that Todds ship yard was the place his father worked. I wonder : off all things don't cry, is that about peter sr or jr?

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  31. Getting to see Peter's father and learning about how he was also musical is sooo interesting. Thank you to the Ratajczyks for sharing these incredibly personal stories about Peter and your family. As a fan I loved Peter's music. When he passed away I felt that I had taken his talent for granted by never wondering about this amazing person's history. I knew some from interviews and songs but this blog really share with fans what an awesome person Peter was and what an amazing, loving and talented family he came from. Thank you for sharing and love the picture! What a cutie he was!---Jessica (Black Number 1)

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  32. Hi Pat--

    Thanks for another great story and photos. Like father, like son, eh? ;) I vaguely remember my parents occasionally dancing the polka around the house, but nothing compared to how your parents went on! I was force-fed country music as a child, (though there were a lot of Polish records played as well), and to this day, it's one genre of music I can live without. I'd much rather listen to Bing. :)

    Love & Gratitude--Patty P., Stamford, CT

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  33. Owed To pete Ratajezyk Steele and Type O Negative Johnny, Kenny, and Josh. I miss Pete very much he is in my thoughts alot. Gone is is your summer song, and raven black hair, your eyes were as bright and blue as a spring day. I wept when I found out you had gone away forever. My love for you lies dead, cold as a rotting rose in a bridal bouquet I will never hold in my hands. I sit in the hottest state in the union with a frozen heart to the land of the living. No one I have yet found Pete compares to you. I wonder if love will ever find me, and fold me in his embrace. I would give anything to kiss you again. Your milk with skin as soft as a dove, rest easy in heaven my love. I take comfort in that you and Type O Negative left behind. I like to visit your ghost on the internet from time to time. When I die I hope it is you warm smile I find. when my Mother was sick you were more than kind. I will cherish you always. Love and thanks Joan Magrane

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  34. I would say what an incredible human being, but he was beyond human. The purest form of genius. Peter should be heralded as one of the greats along with Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Brahms. It can't be overstated how important he was.

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  35. This is my favorite I miss this man terribly and every day I cry knowing Peter has died. peter I can only say I never felt anything as soothing and beautiful than your music and since I was a kid iv looked up to you after watching you live Halloween of 09 I was so looking forward to getting the chance to tell you personally how much your music has inspired my life kept me going in hard times and just kept me looking forward to shows. you were the best musician to ever exist and I thank you peter.I wish this could be a hoax again. to the ratajczyk family I hope your all doing well and this site is a very nice way to remember peter by. ill pray for joy and good times for everyone and I pray for peter always I hope to one day see him again. again thanks for sharing this with the fans

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  36. Wow.. Peter looks alike his father :o

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  37. What a touching insight into the family dynamics. I love the way Peter senior and Nettie supported the musical adventures / pursuits of their children, even though they weren't quite on board with the content. They knew good music was good music.

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  38. I love TON's music and Pete's vocal styling. I understand how music influences a child because my father too sang to put me to bed as a baby. Like for Pete, music was my connection to my father. He listened to Sinatra, Elvis, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. He never said a word if I blasted metal loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear. My husband listens to a lot of blues and was the one who introduced me to TON. I have never stopped listening. Thank you for sharing such warm memories.

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  39. Thinking of Peter lately and his music I grew up with in the 80s. He was a talent, a good guy with humour. I found this blog by coincidence and wanted just to leave a message to friends, family and admirers of Peter's music. Bye

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