Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson (1925–2007) C.C., CQ, OOnt, is one of the most prolific jazz pianists of all time. He lent his name and talents to over 500 recordings and earned eight Grammy Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement.

Born in Monteal’s Little Burgundy, his immense talent, fierce determination, and profound love for the art form caught the attention of jazz music’s greatest impresario and founder of Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP), Norman Granz. After accepting an invitation to perform as a surprise guest at a JATP show at Carnegie Hall at just 24 years old, Peterson would continue to tour with the group, performing with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown, Roy Eldridge, Herb Ellis, Clark Terry, Lester Young, and Lionel Hampton.

Peterson was admired globally and respected as both a musician and humanitarian. He received various international honours, including the Praemium Imperial Prize for Music, the UNESCO Music Prize, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France), and 16 honourary doctorates. For most of his nearly seven-decade career, Peterson remained on the road, performing for eager audiences worldwide and proudly representing his home of Canada. Among his most cherished recognitions were being named a Companion of the Order of Canada, a Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec, and receiving the Order of Ontario. Peterson received posthumous inductions into the Canadian Songwriters and the Canadian Music Halls of Fame. He is also a permanent part of Canada’s history with a statue in the nation’s capital (created by Ruth Abernethy), a Canada Post postage stamp, and murals, parks, and streets bearing his name. In 2022, the Royal Canadian Mint issued a Commemorative Circulation Coin paying tribute to Peterson.

Oscar Peterson’s legacy remains strong, with his music taught in schools worldwide. Through the efforts of Kelly Peterson (the Estate of Oscar Peterson), several recording projects have been released, including three never-before-heard archival concerts, the dynamic solo piano project Oscar With Love (featuring 16 internationally renowned pianists performing Peterson’s compositions in his home on his beloved Bösendorfer Imperial piano), the completion and world premiere of the Africa Suite (featuring original arrangements by John Clayton), and several concerts both in Canada and beyond.

The Estate of Oscar Peterson continues to proudly honour his life’s work and commitment to artistic excellence. In 2025, it will celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday with a series of live concerts and exciting projects.