The Jazz Piano Genius of Oscar Peterson

From his early love of music to his last years, OscarTatum.
Peterson's life was full with accomplishments andAfter being heard on a radio broadcast, Oscar
support from his family. The decision to become aPeterson joined Norman Granz's recording label called
professional pianist led to a weekly radio show andVerve. Quickly, Peterson was assigned to Granz's
many performances in hotels and music halls for"Jazz at the Philharmonic" project. This project
Peterson.included work with major artists and musicians
Although his life ended at the age of 82, Oscarincluding Ray Brown, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster,
Peterson had an extremely productive musical careerMilt Jackson, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Ed Thigpen,
in jazz that ended too quickly. Named OscarNiels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Louis Armstrong,
Emmanuel Peterson, he was born on August 15,Stephane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Joe
1925, in Canada. As a child growing up in Canada, hePass, Anita O'Day, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Dizzy
and his family lived in a predominantly blackGillespie and Stan Getz.
neighborhood called Little Burgundy in Montreal.From this point on, Oscar Peterson would be
Because of his surroundings, Peterson was largelyacclaimed for his genius work with his craft of jazz
influenced by jazz music, which was extremelypiano. His reputation grew, and he soon was a major
popular during this era. Peterson started playing andcelebrity in the spotlight. In the 1940's, Canadian
perfecting the art of the trumpet and piano at ageRadio hosted Peterson as a regular on many jazz
five. However, tuberculosis caused him to stopprograms.
playing the trumpet and focus primarily on his gift forBy the 1950's, Oscar Peterson was a household name
piano playing. To develop his extraordinary skills,all over the world. He was labeled one of the leading
Peterson practiced scales and classical eludes everypianists in jazz music.
single day. His daily routine consisted of four to sixHis greatest asset after his unique, exceptional
hours of solid practice time a day.playing technical ability was his versatility. Peterson
Studying with pianist Paul de Marky helped furtherplayed in numerous duets, quartets, solos, trios, small
refine his talents. Peterson soon began tobands and big bands. In the 1950's, Peterson
concentrate on jazz, ragtime and boogie-woogiecollaborated with Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner. Duos
music. Because of his newfound interest in emergingwith Herbie Hancock occurred in the 1980's.
music types, he was nicknamed "The Brown BomberPerformances in the 1980's through the 1990's often
of the Boogie Woogie."featured his protege Benny Green.
By nine years old, Peterson's collaboration list wasIn 1993, Peterson suffered a stroke. Fortunately for
growing quickly. At fourteen years old, he won thethe world, he recovered quickly. By 1995, Peterson
national music competition hosted by the Canadianreturned to the world of musical performance.
Broadcasting Corporation. However, his nextIn a tribute to his beloved friend and associate
life-changing decision proved controversial yetNorman Granz, Peterson named his dog Smedley two
life-changing. Peterson decided to drop out of schoolyears before his untimely death. Smedley was
and to become a professional pianist. The decision toGranz's nickname from Peterson.
become a professional pianist led to a weekly radioLike the original Smedley, the dog Smedley had a
show and many performances in hotels and musicgreat attachment and devotion to Peterson. Even at
halls for Peterson.Peterson's death, the beloved and loving dog stayed
Oscar Peterson listed many of his personal influencesat Peterson's side by his bed, refusing to leave him.
in the musical spectrum. These influences included NatPeterson died of renal failure on December 27, 2007,
King Cole, Teddy Wilson, James P. Johnson and Artbut his music lives on in countless jazz recordings.