Numerous tributes were made over the Christmas break for jazz great Oscar Peterson, who died on 23 Dec after suffering kidney failure at his Toronto home.
The 82 year old jazz pianist boasted a seven decade career, during which he worked with numerous jazz legends, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He won seven Grammys, plus a Grammy for lifetime achievement, and had been presented with all of Canada's highest honours.
A family friend, Oliver Jones, confirmed Peterson's death, telling reporters: "I've always thought of him as Canada's national treasure. All of Canada mourns for him and his family. He had 60 full years of being considered the top jazz pianist in the world".
Paying tribute, fellow jazz piano star Herbie Hancock said in an email: "Oscar Peterson redefined swing for modern jazz pianists for the latter half of the 20th century up until today. I consider him the major influence that formed my roots in jazz piano playing. He mastered the balance between technique, hard blues grooving, and tenderness. ... No one will ever be able to take his place".
A tribute concert will be held in Peterson's memory in Toronto this weekend.