Jazz stars HANK JONES and DIANA KRALL have joined a host of politicians in paying tribute to the late pianist and composer, OSCAR PETERSON.
The multiple Grammy winner died of kidney failure at his home in Toronto, Canada, on Monday (24Dec07). He was 82.
Peterson was one of jazz's most celebrated musicians, releasing more than 200 albums in his 68-year career. His virtuoso style was envied by many and unmatchable by his peers, and his astounding recordings won him eight Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement accolade in 1997. Remembering Peterson on Monday night, pianist Jones expressed his shock at the tragic news.
He said: “It's hard for me to believe, even now. I just thought Oscar would be around for another 100 years. This is one of the saddest days of my life." Krall added, “(Peterson was) my person I looked up to." Others who have paid tribute to the jazz legend include Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and French president, Nicholas Sarkozy, who hailed Peterson as a “bright light of jazz".
The late star rose to fame at the ender age of 14 after winning a TV talent contest, and he went on to work with fellow musical greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Nat 'King' Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. In his later years, Peterson - who was born in Montreal, Canada - received the country's highest civilian honour and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also became the first living Canadian to be honoured on a postage stamp.
He was also set to be presented with the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Founder's Award next year (08).
Peterson is survived by his fourth wife, Kelly, their daughter Celine, and his six children from previous relationships.
The multiple Grammy winner died of kidney failure at his home in Toronto, Canada, on Monday (24Dec07). He was 82.
Peterson was one of jazz's most celebrated musicians, releasing more than 200 albums in his 68-year career. His virtuoso style was envied by many and unmatchable by his peers, and his astounding recordings won him eight Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement accolade in 1997. Remembering Peterson on Monday night, pianist Jones expressed his shock at the tragic news.
He said: “It's hard for me to believe, even now. I just thought Oscar would be around for another 100 years. This is one of the saddest days of my life." Krall added, “(Peterson was) my person I looked up to." Others who have paid tribute to the jazz legend include Canada's Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and French president, Nicholas Sarkozy, who hailed Peterson as a “bright light of jazz".
The late star rose to fame at the ender age of 14 after winning a TV talent contest, and he went on to work with fellow musical greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Nat 'King' Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. In his later years, Peterson - who was born in Montreal, Canada - received the country's highest civilian honour and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. He also became the first living Canadian to be honoured on a postage stamp.
He was also set to be presented with the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Founder's Award next year (08).
Peterson is survived by his fourth wife, Kelly, their daughter Celine, and his six children from previous relationships.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
