Oscar Peterson Jazz Legend
On my walk at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Erindale, Peel District, I discovered the grave of the legendary jazz pianist, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson.
Dubbed the “Maharaja of the keyboard” by Duke Ellington, affectionately called “O.P.” by friends, and known in the jazz community as “the King of inside swing,” Oscar Peterson’s influence on jazz is immeasurable. Over his lifetime, he released more than 200 recordings and won seven Grammy Awards.
Oscar Peterson’s favourite piano was the Bösendorfer Concert Grand 290 Imperial.
Born in Montreal to parents from the West Indies, Oscar faced a challenge early on when, at age 7, a bout of tuberculosis prevented him from playing the trumpet. Undeterred, he focused all his musical energy on mastering the piano — a decision that changed the course of jazz history.
Even after suffering a stroke that affected movement and dexterity in his left arm, Oscar’s incredible talent remained undiminished. Former Ontario Premier and close friend Bob Rae, himself a pianist, once said, “A one-handed Oscar was better than just about anyone with two hands.”
Oscar Peterson died on December 23, 2007, at his Mississauga, Ontario home. He was 82.
1925-2007
Canada has arguably produced two of the greatest pianists in their respective genre’s. Oscar Peterson and Glenn Gould.
