Oscar Peterson
Piano
December 23, 2007 (Age 82) died
August 15, 1925 Birthday
Montreal, Quebec, Canada Birthplace
oscarpeterson.com Website
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About
Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time and is particularly known for his dexterity and swing style. During his decades long career, Peterson released over 200 recordings, won 7 Grammy's and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization. Peterson began his career in Quebec, playing around Montreal and recording for the Victor label. His career took off in 1949 when producer/promoter Norman Granz heard Peterson play and invited him to perform in a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert at Carnegie Hall. Peterson accompanied well known vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday as well as playing with greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie, but he is best known for his work in the trio format. Peterson worked consistently until he suffered a stroke in 1993. He resumed playing in 1995, although he never fully recovered the use of his left hand. Oscar Peterson passed away in 2007 at the age of 82.
Trivia
Oscar Peterson was given the nickname " Maharaja of the Keyboard” by Duke Ellington. In 1960 Oscar Peterson opened the Advanced School of Contemporary Music in Toronto, which lasted 3 years. Oscar Peterson was voted Jazz Pianist of the Year in 1950 in the Downbeat Readers’ Poll and continued to win the category for the following 12 years.
Early Life
Oscar Peterson was born in Montreal, Quebec in 1925. His father was an amateur trumpeter and pianist. Peterson studied both instruments as a child until a case of tuberculosis at age 7 forced him to focus on the piano. Peterson studied classical piano often practicing 6 hours a day, but his true love was jazz. At age 14 Peterson won a national music competition and began staring on a weekly radio show. During his teens he played professionally around Montreal and was a member of the Johnny Holmes Orchestra.
Oscar Peterson Solos
1957
Piano solo - 'S Wonderful - 1957
4/4 swing in G major at 345 BPM
Piano solo - Love Me or Leave Me - 1957
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 235 BPM
Piano solo - We'll Be Together Again - 1957
4/4 swing in G major at 118 BPM
Piano solo - Them There Eyes - 1957
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 335 BPM
Piano solo - I've Got the World on a String - 1957
4/4 swing in A major at 76 BPM
Piano solo - You Turned the Tables on Me - 1957
4/4 swing in C major at 117 BPM
Piano solo - Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered - 1957
4/4 ballad in E♭ major at 72 BPM
1955
Piano solo - Mean To Me - 1955
4/4 swing in C major at 148 BPM
Piano solo - Red Boy Blues - 1955
4/4 swing in F major at 119 BPM
Piano solo - That's All - 1955
4/4 ballad in B♭ major at 78 BPM
Piano solo - One O'Clock Jump - 1955
4/4 swing in F major at 236 BPM
Piano solo - She's Funny That Way - 1955
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 144 BPM
Piano solo - I Found A New Baby - 1955
4/4 swing in F major at 229 BPM
1952
Piano solo - Ad Lib Blues - 1952
4/4 swing in C major at 213 BPM
Piano solo - Just You, Just Me - 1952
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 240 BPM
Piano solo - Tea For Two - 1952
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 262 BPM
Piano solo - Indiana - 1952
4/4 swing in A♭ major at 190 BPM
Piano solo - Almost Like Being In Love - 1952
4/4 swing in C major at 129 BPM
Piano solo - I Can't Give You Anything But Love - 1952
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 123 BPM