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Oscar Peterson, 82

NICHOLAS JENNINGS

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 11:25 PM EST 24/12/07

Jazz legend counted among most accomplished pianists in world ...Read the full article

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  1. Bill Needle from Canada writes: We will miss his wonderful playing.
  2. True North from Canada writes: God bless you Oscar - you and your music continues to inspire generations of musicians! Deepest condolences to the Peterson family and friends.

    A true legend and Canadian.
  3. L M from Toronto, Canada writes: RIP Dr. Peterson. He was a living legend, against which all other jazz pianists will be compared.
  4. J L from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: Canada and the World has lost if not the greatest,surely one of the greatest jazz pianist of all time.My condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr Peterson.The tributes will be many for this gifted musician.
  5. odietamo inamorata from Cambridge, Canada writes: A truly great musician and humanitarian. I am also proud that he was a Canadian to boot. RIP.
  6. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: This has harshed my mellow. Bummer.
  7. Robin M. from Canada writes: Saw this great performer, musician live a few times... his live performances will be missed, but his great music will live on and this is his legacy to us and the generations that follow .

    May he rest in peace..
  8. Gill Bates from Wroxton SK, Canada writes: Everyone's time must come, but we've lost one of the greatest. His music will last forever.
  9. The Bubble from Canada writes: He'll live forever. :-(
  10. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: A great pianist and Canadian. My mother still speaks of seeing him play the clubs in Montreal in the forties...RIP
  11. Walter Neff from Ottawa, Canada writes: I have an especially fond memory for Mr. Peterson's music; at my wedding reception years ago we had a fantastic variety tape of his recordings playing in the background, and I've always associated his music with that.

    This has been a tough year for great Canadian pianists and keyboard players. Before Mr. Peterson, we lost
    - Richard Bell
    - Doug Riley
    - John Arpin
  12. Eric the Red from Canada writes: One of the greats. RIP
  13. adrian parsons from White Rock, Canada writes: The first big international star that I ever saw perform at the Guildhall Portsmouth UK in about 1963 with his trio. Since them I have seen him many times, from Toronto to Los Angeles to Vancouver. The last time was at Jazz Alley in Seattle, where he kindly signed a CD for me backstage - a monent I will always treasure. Even late in life, playing essentially only one-handed by that time, he managed to 'sell-out the west coast', 2 performances a night at both Yoshis in Oakland and Jazz Alley, weeks before the actual dates, something no-one has done before or since. This is truly a very sad way to start Christmas, especially for his family.
  14. Maeve B. from Southern Ontario, Canada writes: God Bless you, Oscar. You will be truly missed. May God be with your family at this sad time. RIP.
  15. Dr. Jonathan Clatter from Canada writes: Rest well, Mr. Piano Man. You were a great musician and a great Canadian.
  16. CK Leong from Toronto, Canada writes: May your memory be eternal.
    Sympathies and Condolences to his family and friends.

    God, grant your servant, Oscar Peterson, to enjoy and to share in Your eternal happiness which You have prepared for all who love You.
    Keep him in the happiness of life in Your presence, where there shall be no pain.
    God, be merciful to Your servant. Look upon his faith, and for this exemplary musician, look upon his works, and grant him rest with all Your saints. Amen.
  17. Vancouver Island Voice from Canada writes: Through his music he has gained relative immortality. RIP. You will be missed.
  18. Steve Pierce from Juneau, Alaska, United States writes: The greatest jazz pianist, a wonderful man, and an icon of the music world. Oscar Peterson and 'The Trio' defined jazz music for a generation. His life lives on through his work. God bless his soul.
  19. S Phillips from Canada writes: One of our best is gone. My thoughts to those closest to him.
  20. Rain SCM from Canada writes: My thoughts to his family, friends and colleagues. He was, without a doubt, one of the greatest pianists. RIP.
  21. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: This hurts. I can't number the Oscar memories and moments. And I never did get to see him live.
  22. David Lee from Toronto, Canada writes: Many would count him as one of the five greatest jazz pianists of all time. Rest in peace, Mr. Peterson, and thank you for your gift to the world; we'll miss you.
  23. Michael Sharp from Victoria BC, Canada writes:

    We have lost one of the greats.

    The world is a lesser place today with Oscar's passing.
  24. G W from Halifax, Canada writes: One simple word sums it up: LEGEND.

    Rest in Peace Oscar. You will never be forgotten.
  25. Greg Atkin from Canada writes: A few years ago a local NPR station disc jockey claimed only 3 piano players could play a Beethoven sonata.. Horowitz, Rubenstein ...and Peterson. It took a moment or two to absorb who this Peterson was but of course the DJ was referring to Oscar.
  26. Vickky Angstrom from Canada writes: Generous generous man. Please change the photograph on the homepage. It doesn't do him justice.
  27. Wally Grisold from Toronto, Canada writes: A Master at his craft, Oscar you will be sorely missed. RIP. Boy that big band up stairs is getting better and better.
  28. Eric Wyness from Vancouver, Canada writes: A car filled with young pianists, (memory tells me Paul Plimley was one) heading for Isy's Supper Club in Vancouver's West End, all excitedly hoping that the forthcoming treat of catching the Oscar Peterson Trio - live!- would live up to our almost impossibly high expectations.

    And man, did it ever. 35 or so years later, the memory of that night's playing is still green in memory. Oscar, in uptempo dazzle or reflective midnight ballad, you knew as well as any how to say in sound both the energetic joy and haunting beauties of life.

    You played with love, and we loved you. Eternal blessings, and thank you for your eternal art.
  29. Mary Ann Varkaris from London, Canada writes: His music has always made me feel the happiness that comes with wonder. Such a truly marvellous musician and human. My condolences to the Peterson family.
  30. Jean Malice from Calgary, Canada writes: A Canadian legend is dead: long live Oscar Peterson's records!
  31. stand up mimi from Canada writes: Thank you for the music, Mr. Peterson. Because you are gone, the world is diminished.
  32. John Williams from TO, Canada writes: He achieved musical Greatness, no question.

    But in recent times he appeared to be suffering greatly, in a number of ways. So its a shame he is gone, but at least the suffering has stopped. He can now rest in the peace he deserves.
  33. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: Greg Atkin, that's a really interesting post. I'd love to have heard Oscar tackle some classics, but he himself believed his art was jazz interpretation rather than classical, and if I remember his comment, he suggested that for him to play the classical repetoire would be somehow unecessary. He had great respect for his classical piano colleagues.

    He required of musicians that they have respect for their very intstruments. He disdained showmen who, while technically adept, showed no respect for the piano.

    And of course, his surpassing mastery of the keyboard was as finely tuned and absolutely comprehensive as any high artist can attain.
  34. George Bishop from Fergus,Ontario, Canada writes: What a lost to 'great music' Oscar willbe missed by the World and also here in Canada, may you rest in peace.
  35. J L from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: Vicky Angstrom from Canada-I agree Vicky.surely the G&M Editorial Staff could have found a more dignified and appropriate picture of Mr Peterson?Comon guys, not very respectful at all.
  36. Francesco Sorbara from Toronto, Canada writes: God bless you Mr Peterson...your contribution to the arts, jazz world will be greatly appreciated and wil live on many generations to come!!
    May you continue to play your piano in the world that you have gone to now.
  37. Terry Quinn from A proud free Canadian, Canada writes: He's up there forming a heavenly group with Ella and others. He was magic. RIP Oscar
  38. JP M from Canada writes: A beautiful man, his presence will be missed. Thank God for his legacy.
  39. rad fem from Canada writes: We'll miss you. Thanks for the music.
  40. John Davenport from Quesnel, BC, writes: I remember this great man from my childhood when he appeared on Ed Sullivan. He was Canadian, and that was something special. He dressed better than anybody and came out onto the stage with such grace, dignity and bearing, quite unlike so many other musicians. And then he played. What he created was so complex and beautiful. His playing on Ed Sullivan was my first exposure to jazz and I quickly learned what astonshing skill, creativity and intelligence must be required to do what he did so well. I remember thinking, wow, he's the best and he's Canadian. Simply, he was a great man and I will always admire him and will always love his music.

    I remember Quincy Jones saying, 'Get up from the piano, Oscar is in the room.' Ok, everybody, you can play now. Oscar is no longer in the room.
  41. gerhard beck from Canada writes: First heard him play live in Montreal in l953, great experience. Last heard him in my daughters car on the way to Hamilton on Decenmber 17, this time on CD. My condolences to his family. A great musician, a greater loss for those who loved to hear him play.
  42. Dalton Graham from Canada writes: We all have to go but it’s sad to know the piano has been silenced.
  43. John Ridout from Canada writes: A piece of all that is Canadian has just passed on but also continues on in our hearts and in all the jazz musicians who were inspired and learned from him. Gone but never to be forgotten. The Angelic Jazz orchestra has just gotten a whole lot better
  44. jojo savard from Canada writes: the queen is a luminary????
  45. benjy1 myers from montreal, Canada writes: I think of Oscar as Mr.catch me if you can-for thousands of musicians he is saying-follow me-listen to my message,learn from it, keep playing , do the best you can-rest in peace Oscar, I first saw him when he played with Johhny Holmes at school dances-more than 60 yrears ago--Ben Myers
  46. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Great person, Great Canadian
  47. Tom Shaffer from Victoria, Canada writes: How fortunate I am to have heard Oscar Peterson in live performances for nearly 40 years. What a musician! What a person! What an icon from our own time!
  48. E. R. from Canada writes: To John Ridout: What a beautiful comment. A beautiful image - thank you!
    Yes, Oscar, the Master. With great fondness, we remember your gracious humility , and great gifts to music on this planet. For myself, and for Barrington Perry I wish, GodSpeed into the arms of Love.
  49. Bill Smith from The wilds of the GTA, Canada writes: I am really sadden to hear this jazz great has passed on, the world lost a great talent.

    My condolances to his family for thier loss.

    I am off to listen to his Verve catalogue now....
  50. b mac from Canada writes: He'll be missed by his many fans. RIP Oscar.
  51. benjy1 myers from montreal, Canada writes: WHEN YOU PUT OSCAR AND DIZZY TOGETHER IT BLOWS YOUR MIND
  52. Gabriel Dumont from Victoria, Canada writes: Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift and the many hours of enjoyment you gave to me and so many others. Rest in peace.
  53. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: Oscar Peterson and recently Maynard Ferguson. Merci, Montreal, for producing those truly titanic talents.
  54. Sir Laifalot from Victoria, Canada writes: What caught my attention of Oscar was his endless humility, always just happy to be doing what he loved & if you loved it well then, even better...I think he taught me something about fame , greatness,recognition & that is, don't let it overwhelm you, go to your head, just ride the wave. He was happy to do just that,to be so simple & true, got to love him just for that.
  55. m daitchman from Montreal, Canada writes: Oscar Peterson - an unsurpassed great in jazz and most importantly an exemplary human being who was humble and generous. My condolences to the Peterson family and to all jazz fans. I saw him many times in live concerts and his obvious joy at his craft was awe-inspiring. We'll miss you Oscar as there will be no other like you !
  56. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: RIP Oscar Peterson.
    You were truly one of the best and we will miss you.
  57. john may from Dartmouth, writes: Photographed him and MJQ at City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1967 and still have the negatives. What a performance and what memories. What a great Canadian ambassador.
  58. J L from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: On behalf of myself, and Vicky Angstrom in particular who first raised the issue of the appropriateness of the original photo, and I am sure countless Oscar Peterson fans in Canada thank you G&M for changing the picture.the current picture is appropriate for such a great Canadian Musician.
  59. J R Ewing from Dallas, Texas, United States writes: As long as he was alive, I considered Oscar the greatest living pianist. His hands did things that I thought to be superhuman. I was trained classically, but Oscar's technique was far beyond anything Glenn Gould, Evgeny Kissin, or Maurizio Pollini could offer. He was a musical idol for me, and I will miss him.
  60. JEANNE FARINE from Vancouver, Canada writes: Our family grew up with Oscar Peterson and his wonderful music...so, now, we have lost a most loved member...Excelsior! To his personal family we send our deepest sympathy.
  61. Randall Goodwin from Canada writes: Wow....it never crossed my mind that he would EVER pass away.
  62. Aumharan G from Canada writes: John Ridout from Canada writes: The Angelic Jazz orchestra has just gotten a whole lot better

    -It sure has!
  63. Ben Chow from Vancouver, Canada writes: I was fortunate to see Oscar Peterson perform live a few years back at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver. What struck me as simply amazing was that he was aided to his seat at the piano (centre stage) by someone - his fraility clearly evident - but as soon as he played, it was as if he was fifty years younger. His speed and nimbleness on the ivory keyboard was a sight and sound pleasing event. It has truly been an honour to have him represent Canada on the world jazz stage . . . he is a true Canadian in every sense. Thank You Oscar!
  64. Rene L from Somewhere, Canada writes: Goodbye Oscar Peterson...

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ebo12xg4ws&feature=related
  65. LUCIEN ALEXANDRE MARION from Gatineau Qc, Canada writes:
    Oscar Peterson ...A Giant left us. It is sad... but as souvenirs out of his great generosity, he gave us so much and his recordings will always keep him alive in our hearts. My condolences to his family and his friends.
  66. Michael Craine from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: Goodnight Oscar, you were the man for a good long run!!

    Sweet Dreams.
  67. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: ....the passing of a wonderful, telented Canadian who brought pleasure to many...rest in peace...
  68. J D from Calgary, Canada writes: Canada and the jazz world have truly lost a treasure today. The beauty of his playing was one of the things that swung me over to jazz.
    Farewell...
  69. bj sutherland from Victoria, Canada writes: How sad to hear of his passing, but he had a good run. Thanks for the great music and for leaving a wonderfully large recorded legacy that we can continue to remember him by.
  70. R. M. from Regina, Canada writes: What a loss. We glorify athletes and forget artists/musicians. Now I ask you, 'Which group has the longest most profound legacy?'
  71. Vern McPherson from writes: Loved Oscar. Loved his music. One of the greatest Canadians of our time.

    Rest in peace old friend. Heaven bops tonite !
  72. Geof Wyght from Cincinnati, United States writes: The day I graduated from Queen's University, way back in 1976, Queen's gave Oscar an honourary degree. Instead of giving a speech, Oscar played a couple of tunes. My father was very impressed.
  73. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    The 'Pavarotti' of JAZZ! I was very fortunate to have had experienced him live in my travels. God Bless his contribition.......

    .
  74. David K from Guelph, Canada writes: I just finished reading his biography last week as written by Gene Lees. Mr Peterson was such an accomplished man in so many ways over and above his music. He will be greatly missed but at least we still have his music.
  75. John McMurchy from Toronto, Canada writes: I have always been an Oscar Peterson fan. My most poignant memory of Oscar's magnanimous and generous personality was something that happened when I worked at Goodherham Public School in Scarborough. His daughter, Lynne, was one of my students. On one memorable occasion, Oscar attended a home and school meeting at Goodherham. Our principal, Jerry Mitchell, asked him if he would play the national anthem - at that time, 'God Save the Queen'. Oscar generously obliged and then played more than half an hour of jazz piano following the national anthem. He was one of Canada's great national treasures and I miss him already.

    John McMurchy
    former teacher at
    Goodherham Public School
    Scarborough, Ontario
  76. Dave from Vangcoova from Wet Coast, Canada writes: Through the legacy of his many, many recordings, future generations will continue to be ablt to enjoy and marvel at the God given talent posessed by Oscar Peterson. I'm sure, even now, he's entertaining the angels in heaven with his beautiful music.
  77. Brent Raby from City State of Toronto, writes:
    Tonight, in addition to Christmas music, I'm listening to the Canadiana Suite. Ineffable. First jazz album I ever bought. It just gets better.
  78. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: Rest in peace Oscar. Through your music you shall live forever. Truly one of the greatest.
  79. Kan Tankerous from Tronna, Canada writes: Oscar Peterson. Wow! Top class!
  80. Mr. Pink from the wet coast, Canada writes:
    When somebody dies who touches others in such positive ways all I have to say well done, and thank-you. This is a life well-lived. As Canadians we're all very proud of you.
  81. Broad Vacant from St. Catharines, ON, Canada writes: A great man.
  82. Dik Coates from Canada writes: There's jazz in Heaven...
  83. John Warren from Toronto, Canada writes: A treasure to his family, freinds, fans, Canada and the world, bless him.
  84. J D from Calgary, Canada writes: What have you done, 'Being Canadian'?
  85. Nicole S. from Canada writes: Well put JD.

    This guy is why arts are being cut from school. Someone needs to learn a little appreciation for culture, for the beauty of music. Oscar was one of my greatest influences as a pianist. Image what our society would be like without music, or without the great novelists, poets, and painters. I never want to live in that place.

    RIP Oscar, you will be missed.
  86. joe poore from Bristol, TN, United States writes: My condolences to the nation of Canada- You have lost your First Gentleman. Thank you, sir. All hail Oscar Peterson.
  87. Paul, Bytown, from Canada writes: I've seen many of his shows at the Montreal jazz festival.

    I once had the privilege of having breakfast with him once. He was staying at the same hotel as me. Has I walked in the restaurant, I walked over to the man who was by himself to thank him for the years of pleasure that he gave to me. He invited me to sit down and have breakfast with him. The man never let stardom get in the way. As he told me stories of some of his adventures, I swear I was traveling with him. He had a way of telling stories that captured the imagination and the passion. A simple human being with super human talent.

    I truly believe that god created the piano just for him.

    Thank you Oscar for the memories and pleasures. You truly will be missed.
  88. Shirley Jackson from Oliver, BC, Canada writes: Rest in peace, Oscar Peterson. I saw only a clip of a young Peterson playing the piano in the documentary film series "Canada at War" (amazing footage, rent it!) in a context sequence on culture in Canada during World War II. He was showing off.
  89. Clark The Mighty from Canada writes: Bob Rae was interviewed at length on newsword about this.

    Sure, Bobby took piano lessons...but what a political agenda by the CBC!!
  90. F M from United States writes: Without question Canada's greatest artist in any medium. His legacy will live as long as does jazz.

    What I'd like to know is why 'La Presse' makes no mention of Peterson's passing on its home page--not even in the Arts section of its home page. One has to go to the Arts section of the website to see a very brief tribute, indeed. Actually, I know why: because Peterson is black and Anglo, which is enough to make that paper overlook the achievements of its city's brightest star. Idiots.
  91. OScaR D from T.O., Canada writes: Several years ago, I paid top dollar - money I didn't have at the time for front row seats to see Oscar at Massey Hall.

    He was magical. Carpe diem indeed - I'll never put anything off again.

    If I hadn't known better, I'd never have noticed his somewhat immobilized left hand, that's how hard his swing moves, it was just not relevant to his musicianship. If only the rest of us could swing 10% as well.

    What a tremendous inspiration and Canadian - I am lucky to have seen him.

    Rest in peace
  92. Peter Kells from Bytown, Canada writes: The King is dead. Long live the King.
  93. Eastern Rebellion from Orillia, Canada writes: I was very saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of Dr. Peterson. It wasn't a total surprise, as Oscar has not been well for a while now. It was still a shock none the less, especially at this time of year. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
    For those of us in the jazz community, Oscar was a musical icon and titan. He brought it all to the table. He had consummate technique, and at the same time could express deep emotion through his playing. He always demanded the highest musical standards from his sidemen, and he got what he asked for. He was a tireless promoter of jazz as a musical art form, and always fought for the respect that jazz musicians deserve.
    He was also a tireless and fearless fighter for civil rights, and he often took the hard road, not the easy road, when he witnessed discrimination.
    He was a proud Canadian, and those of us in Canada always felt great pride in the fact he chose to live here and maintain his Canadian identity, when he could have lived anywhere.
    I will never forget the tremendous influence Dr. Peterson had on all of us who loved the music he played, and shared his vision of racial harmony and fairness.

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