Oscar Peterson Remembered

Jazz great and native Montrealer Oscar Peterson died today (Dec 24 2007) at the age of 82.

Oscar Peterson was one of the biggest international stars to ever come out of Montreal, a jazz great who performed alongside the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie.

His career began at the Negro Community Centre in Little Burgundy.

His family taught Oscar the basics, but soon the prodigy was impressing his teachers. "I didn't know what I was doing," said Peterson in an NFB documentary. "I just knew I could do this."

Some said that Peterson sounded like two people playing. But despite his talent, he encountered his share of racists in his drive to the top. "I remember we were due to play the Ritz Carlton, and they weren't going to have this," said Peterson.

Eventually people came around and lined up to see Oscar.

Even after a stroke in 1993 disabled his left hand, he could still play. His last Montreal performance was in 2004 at the jazz festival, where he celebrated his 79th birthday.

His name now adorns Concordia's school of music, and his legend has inspired many children at that same community centre where he learnt to play.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• oscar
• peterson
• montreal
• jazz
• great

[helmut4lyfe]

This video didn't do him justice

[eccentricXXX]

the news of Oscar Peterson's passing brought tears to my eyes. I love his music so much and he inspired me! may he rest in peace.

[TrainSounds]

He is in our hearts.

[MMM613]

Lousy news clip - so superficial. Blah-blah... And this politically correct race stuff as always - what a nonsense! It would be so much better info/memorial If they just spent the same 2:57 just showing him playing one of his great solos.

[stevelovesjazz]

Hi Oscar, of sure now you will play with Art and Erroll for Him...

love

[stylishshenel]

i shaked his hand

[asilentninja]

I think it's Ballad to the East from the Canadiana Suite. Not sure but if it isnt then Im pretty sure it's from the CS. Sounds very familiar.

[notoriousjed]

Hey, could anyone tell me the last song M. Pterson plays in the video (2:36 to the end) ... so pretty

R.I.P. M. Peterson

[oscarinchy]

gracias por todo lo que nos has entregado con tu música OSCAR PETERSON

[MikeyL]

My Mentor, Icon and Influence will always live on for centuries to come thanks to technology, the love of him, the love of his music, talent, skill and passion for piano art. Rest In Peace my good friend and a day never goes by without your music in my home, car, plane, office anywhere. You ARE the greatest and it won't be debated and I will defend you always to that right you earned!