Allmusic describes him as having a "big part in shaping the Blue Note label's hard bop direction in the 1960s as a record producer.

[2] Pearson performed with different ensembles in Georgia and Florida, including with Tab Smith and Little Willie John, before he moved to New York City in January 1959.

He had, however, been able to get at least one song, "Tribute to Brownie" (dedicated to Clifford Brown), recorded by the Cannonball Adderley Quintet on their 1957 album, Sophisticated Swing.

Having also composed the album’s title track, he wrote, “I wonder while listening to this recording, just what the people involved were thinking of while idling away (so to speak).

The dreamlike mood that prevails gave me the idea of naming this tune Idle Moments.” Pearson eventually retired from his position with Blue Note in 1971 after personnel changes were made; co-founder Alfred Lion retired in 1967 after the label was sold to Liberty Records the previous year, and co-founder Francis Wolff died in 1971.

Pearson opted to teach at Clark College in 1971, toured with Carmen McRae and Joe Williams through 1973, and eventually re-formed his big band during that time.

[5] Source:[7][8] With Donald Byrd With Johnny Coles With Grant Green With Bobby Hutcherson With Thad Jones/Pepper Adams Quintet With Carmen McRae