He spent most of his life in the city of Toronto, where for many years he was a popular performer in nightclubs and hotels such as The Park Plaza, Stop 33, The 54th, The Chelsea Inn, and The Montreal Bistro.

He had his own very successful television show on CHCH Channel 11 that was recorded live from Albert’s Hall, ‘Peter Appleyard Presents’ that featured all the jazz greats from Blossom Dearie to Lionel Hampton.

In 1992, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his being an "internationally renowned vibraphonist [who] has represented the Canadian jazz community across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia".

[2] Born in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, England, [3] Appleyard became apprenticed to a nautical instrument maker after being forced to leave school owing to economic reasons related to the Second World War.

At first, unable to get a union card in Toronto, Appleyard worked as an elevator doorman at the King Edward Hotel and as a salesman at Simpson's department store.

[4] In 1976, Frank Sinatra invited Appleyard to join him in concert with the Count Basie Orchestra and Ella Fitzgerald at the Uris Theatre in New York City.

[5] In 1982 Appleyard formed the All-Star Swing Band which performed traditional pop and jazz tunes, often in medley arrangements by Rick Wilkins.

The ensemble's 1982 album Swing Fever received a gold record certification for sales of 50,000 units in Canada and was nominated for a Juno award.