Oscar Peterson
Source: Web (wnycstudios.org)
Arts & Music • Historical Archive • 🇨🇦 Canada • 6 views

Oscar Peterson 🇨🇦

Oscar Emmanuel Peterson
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Born Aug 15, 1925 🇨🇦 Montreal, Canada
Passed Away Dec 23, 2007 Mississauga, Canada
Lifespan 82 years old
6 views
Notice / Correction
"It's the dedication of the musician to the art form that creates the brilliance of jazz."

Archival Overview

Canadian jazz piano titan celebrated as the 'Maharaja of the Keyboard', world-renowned for his dazzling speed, flawless blues articulation, and celebrated trio recordings.

Biographical Record

Trained classically in Montreal by Paul de Marky (a pupil of Franz Liszt), Oscar Peterson synthesized the classical virtuosity of Liszt with the stride brilliance of Art Tatum and the swinging blues of Nat King Cole. Discovered in Montreal by promoter Norman Granz in 1949, Peterson was brought to Carnegie Hall, launching an international career spanning six decades.

Leading his legendary trio with bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis (later drummer Ed Thigpen), Peterson recorded over 200 albums and won eight Grammy Awards. His 1962 civil-rights anthem 'Hymn to Freedom' and his 1964 masterwork 'Night Train' stand as enduring monuments of swing.

Key Life Milestones

1949

Carnegie Hall Debut

Made his sensational unannounced debut at Carnegie Hall with Jazz at the Philharmonic, captivating New York.

1962

Night Train and Hymn to Freedom

Recorded Night Train and composed Hymn to Freedom, which became an international anthem of the Civil Rights Movement.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Memorial Location
Mississauga, Canada
Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.