OSCAR PETERSON

By Dr. Lawrence Wilson

All information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure of any disease or health condition.

Oscar Peterson is considered one of the finest jazz pianists of all time. He was born in 1925 in Montreal, Canada. He grew up in a musical family. His father was an amateur pianist, and his sister was a piano teacher.

Oscar demonstrated special talent on the piano when he was just 8 years old. He received classical piano training, and always recommended that anyone serious about the piano learn classical piano, especially the music of J.S. Bach.

Oscar Peterson began his career at age 15 and from then on played and traveled with many of the best jazz musicians of the twentieth century in Canada and in the United States. He played solo piano, but also played in duets, trios and quartets.

He had large hands and amazing dexterity that allowed him to move easily over the piano keyboard. For most of his life he practiced the piano six to eight hours every day. He made over 200 recordings and left a rich legacy of music.

Later in his life, Oscar received over a dozen honorary degrees from Canadian and American Universities, as well as many awards for musical excellence. He became friendly with the political leaders in Canada and was offered the job of lieutenant-governor of Ontario, Canada.

Oscar Peterson married several times and fathered seven children.

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