Oscar Peterson
Biography
Oscar Peterson (pianist, composer,educator) was born August 15, 1925 in Montreal and passed away December 23, 2007 in Mississauga, Ontario. Considered Canada’s greatest gift to jazz, during his storied six decade career he recorded over 200 albums, performed with many jazz legends as well as leading his famous trio with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis. Among his many honours and accolades: 7 Grammy Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement, a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1984 (the highest degree) and Chancellor of York University in Toronto from 1991-94. His legacy lives on in scholarships and prizes awarded to deserving musicians and a school named in his honour in Mississauga.
Oscar Peterson was inducted into the the Mississauga Music Walk Of Fame in September, 2003. His star can be found in Port Credit Memorial Park.
In 2005, Canada Post issued a commemorative poststage stamp in honour of Dr. Peterson.
Dr. Peterson's last public performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 16, 2007.
On December 16, 2012 JAZZ.FM91 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the release of Oscar Peterson's most acclaimed recording, "Night Train." The event included a live-to-air broadcast featuring Oscar peterson alumni Dave Young (bass), Terry Clarke (drums), and Peterson protege Robi Botos (piano). The broadcast also included messages from numerous jazz notables including Ramsey Lewis, Benny Green, and Jamie Cullum.
"Night Train" was released on Verve Records and featured one of Peterson's long-time trios that included bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. The album is one of the most revered jazz recordings.
